CV 1181 

.W5 




THE SPORT 
OF 

TRAPSHOOTING 



The SPORT of 
TRAPSHOOTING 

Information for Shooters 
Hints for Organizing 

and 

Conducting Gun Clubs 



TRADE MARK 



Compliments of 

Shooting Promotion Division 

of the 

WINCHESTER REPEATING ARK4S CO. 

NEW HAVEN, CONN., U. S. A. 



Copyright, iqz2. by Winchester Repeating Arms Co. 



act. 






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§ 

£ 



C1A689461 



NOV 



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The Sport of Trapshooting 

NO naturalist discovered the clay "bird". Like 
many other good things of the earth, it was 
invented in America. 

For more than forty years this inanimate, mechani- 
cally propelled, swift and fragile little flying target has 
afforded keen sport with the gun for thousands of 
virile men and women the length and breadth of the 
land. Every day in the year trapshooters with 
levelled guns are calling for its catapult flight from its 
roosting place in gun club "trap-houses." 

"Pull!" That's the call of the shooter. 

The puller pulls. 

Out of the open trap-house, propelled by the strong 
"trap," darts a speedy clay target — skimming, soar- 
ing, .... 

Bang! Hit or miss. The thrill of satisfaction or of 
disappointment is there. 

That's trapshooting, the sport that holds everybody 
through its fascination — the sport few sportsmen ever 
forsake. 

How Trapshooting Started 

"THE motive behind trapshooting is as old as the 
human race. It is the instinctive human desire to 
hurl missiles at targets, which men have had ever since 
they have been able to hold any object in their hands. 
When bow and arrow supplanted the sling of an- 
tiquity the same human instinct was satisfied in a 
different way— the hand and eye directed the missile 
though the hand did not propel it. 

3 



Back in 1831, when American sportsmen were 
beginning to develop interest in wing shooting, a few 
of them started a club in Cincinnati, then the metropolis 
of the Great West. To do it in good style, they sent 
over to England and got blue rock pigeons, such as the 
English gentry of the day were shooting. 

Pigeon shooting gradually became popular. Shooting 
clubs were organized in various parts of the country. 
Famous matches were shot with big crowds in attend- 
ance. The sport developed its official rules and 
nomenclature and numbered its enthusiasts in every 
state and territory. ' In addition to the domestic blue 
rock pigeons, matches were shot at American wild 
passenger pigeons, at English sparrows and at crows. 

Then came the invention of the glass ball and the 
mechanical "trap" used for giving it flight. Numerous 
types of both were soon in use. These balls were the 
first inanimate substitutes for pigeons, and they attain- 
ed wide popularity in the 70's. 

However, none of the glass balls satisfactorily simula- 
ted the flight of a bird, and the first really successful 
substitute was not found until George Ligowsky, of 
Cincinnati, invented the original clay target, which the 
targets of present-day trapshooting closely resemble. 
Along with his target, Mr. Ligowsky produced a 
practical ground trap for throwing it. 

The Ligowsky target and trap, first perfected in the 
early 80's, gave trapshooting as we know it today its 
real start. Substitutes and improvements soon came, 

THE STANDARD TARGET 

Weight % oz. 
Diameter 434 inches. 
Height V/ie inches. 
Height for rim % inches. 




but the "clay" target in present use, even though no 
longer made entirely of clay, and the trap that throws 
it, have not been altered in principle. 

The Sport for Everybody 

HTRAPSHOOTING has, of recent years, firmly estab- 
lished itself as one of the most popular of American 
outdoor competitive sports. This is easily understood 
when the wide range of its appeal is considered. 

Trapshooting is an outdoor sport in the biggest, 
broadest sense of the term. It combines more individual 
attractions, insures more lasting benefits, than most 
other sports. 

With the ever increasing love for outdoor recreation, 
the Gun Club has become a social center — the gathering 
place for the local group of kindred spirits who are a 
part of a vast national fraternity that is gaining in 
breadth each year. 

Trapshooting numbers among its votaries men of all 
ages and every sphere of life. It appeals no less to the 
busy merchant or the professional man who can seize 
but an hour or two a week to exercise and play at his 
favorite game, than it does to the man of leisure. 

To the hunter it calls forth happy thoughts of days 
he has spent afield and puts him at once in practice for 
other such days that are still to come. 

It is for women as well as men. In this day of greater 
achievement we are all men in the sense of the doing 
of things. And the woman of today is realizing more 
than ever before the wide range of her capabilities. 
Trapshooting offers a brand new field for the develop- 
ment of her talents. 

Her courage and confidence are inspired, her health 
and happiness improved, through indulgence in trap- 




Public interest runs high at tournaments. Part of the 
crowd at a Grand American, in Dayton, Ohio 



shooting. And it has been well proved that a woman 
can be as proficient at this sport as a man. 

Trapshooting is a boy's game, too. Every American 
boy in his teens should be taught to shoot. It is a duty 
we owe to him, ourselves, and the nation. 

Trapshooting stimulates youthful ambition, while it 
satisfies it. It lays the foundation for that self- 
confidence which is vital to success. 

Always in Season — Wherever You Are 

ONE of the most attractive features of trapshooting 
is its availability. Enjoyment of the sport is not 
confined to the Gun Club alone. The enthusiast is 
not dependent on any one time or place for the indul- 
gence of his hobby. 

The universal demand for trapshooting has resulted 
in its adoption in Country Clubs, Yacht and Golf Clubs, 
Hotels, Parks, Colleges, Prep Schools, Boys' Camps, 
etc. The most prominent summer and winter resort 
hotels have installed elaborate shooting grounds for 
the entertainment of their guests. 

It matters not where one lives or journeys, a chance 
to shoot is always somewhere close at hand. Wherever 
a few trap-shooters get together, a "shoot" is sure to 
develop. The lure of the sport is always in the air. 




Winchester Folding Hand Trap 
Made in Two Sizes 



Remember there is no closed season for the fast- 
flying clays — no protection zone — no limit set on the 



A New and Simple Clay Target Hand Trap 

A HANDTRAP for the throwing of clay targets that 
combines the greatest simplicity with the most 
practical results has been designed by J. Mowell 
Hawkins, head of the Winchester Shooting Promotion 
Division. The simplicity and low cost of this new 
handtrap make it not only easy to operate, but easy 
for shooters with very modest means to equip them- 
selves for hand target throwing. 

All this new trap requires is a strip of quarter inch 
wood, 2J/2 inches wide and 16 inches long fitted with a 
quarter inch strip of the same length and three-quarters 
of an inch wide which is nailed along the side and pro- 
jects up as a ledge just the height of the outer rim of the 
target. 

A comfortable hand grip should be formed at one end. 
Then the target is placed cup down on the board with 
its rim resting against the back strip, up near the hand 
but not close enough to touch the thumb or any part 
of the hand. 

In throwing the target the best results are obtained 
by giving the trap a slight pulling motion against the 
rim of the target as the swing is made. 

This trap can be used with either hand which, in- 
cidentally, makes it the first hand trap made for use 
with the left hand. 

One of these traps can be readily made from the ends 
or sides of a target barrel but, of course, it is better to 
have the finished product made out of light, smooth 
material. 




All this new trap requires is a strip of quarter inch wood, 
2}/2 inches wide and 16 inches long fitted with a quarter inch 
strip of the same length and % of an inch high which is nailed 
along the side and projects up as a ledge just the height of 
the outer rim of the target 



One big advantage the new Hawkins trap has over 
others now in use, aside from its simplicity and low 
cost, is the perfect control of the target which it gives 
and the accuracy and manner in which the target can 
be thrown. It allows throws of five feet or 300 feet, 
high or low, broadside or edgewise and in any direction 
at the thrower's will. 



How To Organize A Club 

THE chances are that in every neighborhood a 
certain number of lovers of the gun and the free 
outdoors would welcome the idea of a Gun 
Club. Individually, they have thought of it — half 
planned it out a dozen times in their minds. It has 
only needed a leading spirit, someone to give the idea 
the starting push, and Bang! — the thing would be done. 

Let us suppose that you have foreseen the possibilities 
of a Gun Club in your town. You are sure to have 
friends who feel like yourself — men and women who 
would love to get in line and whang away at the flying 
clays. 

Get them together. Spring the Big Idea — and talk 
it over at length. Tell them what enjoyment and 
downright benefit is in store for them, once your club — 
their club — is launched and the sport has fairly begun. 

Let them see it all clearly through your eyes — the 
advantage to be gained from the standpoint of health — 
the satisfaction that comes through the "knowing how" 
— the fascination that, in trapshooting, holds all men 
alike. They will see it — and once they do you can 
count on their hearty support. 

Making a Start 

HTHE first step should be to get a few. earnest workers 
to actively cooperate in making a start. This done, 
your subsequent campaign for members is considerably 
simplified. Have everyone who is interested try to 
interest someone else. Get your local newspaper in- 
terested — have it publish an announcement that a Gun 

10 



Club is about to be organized, and that prospective 
members will be heartily welcomed. Get the dealers 
interested and have them place signs in their windows — 
"Do you wish to join the Gun Club? Step in." 

Presuming that you have received enough encourage- 
ment to continue, the next step will be to call a meeting. 
You should notify all who have evinced an interest in 
the proposition, together with any others, who, you 
think, may also become interested. 

As you have been the prime mover thus far, and are, 
doubtless, best informed as to the feasibility of promot- 
ing a Gun Club, call this meeting to order yourself. 

State your proposition briefly and emphatically. If 
you have in mind a suitable location for your Gun Club, 
tell about it at once. 

Lay stress on the need of a Gun Club — the many 
purposes it fills — the opportunities it furnishes for en- 
joyment, the promotion of health, good fellowship, 
and practice and competition in the fine sport of wing 
shooting, the greatest practice for the trip afield. 

After you have outlined the plan in a few words, a 
temporary Chairman should be elected. Let the 
question of organizing the Gun Club be placed before 
the meeting and have your original information and 
general details discussed and amplified. 

Selection of Officers and Committees 

ORGANIZE your Gun Club on the spot — at the least 
take the first steps toward perfecting an organiza- 
tion. Officers should be elected and several commit- 
tees appointed at this meeting. The customary 
officers are : President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treas- 
urer, and Field Captain — all to be elected by popular 
vote. 

Committees on Grounds, Constitution and By-Laws, 

11 



Purchase and Supply and Program, should be selected. 
It will be their duty to look into details in these various 
fields and report at your second meeting. 

Be careful to select your officers with due considera- 
tion of their individual qualifications. Your secretary, 




Jimmy Bonner, of New York City, the 13 year old boy who 
tied for the Junior Championship at the 1921 Grand American 

with whom, necessarily, will rest the greatest respon- 
sibility, should be an enthusiast, a hard worker, and an 
all-around good fellow. A popular secretary makes a 
club — and a grouch can easily spoil one. 

12 



The matter of committees is also important. They 
should be chosen with discretion; the individual mem- 
bers all qualified for their duties. 

Now let us assume that your club was organized at 
the first meeting. Your officers were elected, your 
committees chosen, and their different duties assigned. 
Finally, a date was set for your second meeting. 

Initiation Fee and Dues 

"THE question of initiation fee and dues, if not already 
arranged, should claim immediate attention at this 
meeting. These should be made as reasonable as 
possible. Supposing your club to have a membership of 
thirty or forty, it is probable that an initiation fee of 
$5.00 and yearly dues of $2.00 will finance it satis- 
factorily. 

If this sum is insufficient to defray preliminary ex- 
penses, fix on some plan for securing the additional 
money. A working capital is necessary before you can 
make a start. 

Shooting Grounds 

"TAKE up the matter of shooting grounds if this 
question is still unsettled. Your committee should 
report its findings, and every effort should be made to 
acquire a location at once. 

Bear in mind, in this connection, that accessibility is 
of primary importance. Your grounds should, if 
possible, be located within easy walking distance — 
say one-half mile to a mile from the central point of 
your town, or close to a street-car line. Suggestions for 
the selection and lay-out of grounds will be found on 
other pages of this booklet. 

In the natural order of things your "Constitution and 
By-Laws" should be read and approved at this meeting. 

13 



A simple form of constitution and by-laws may be 
found commencing on page 66. 

Your committee on "Purchase and Supply" has 
investigated prices of traps, shells, targets, etc. Its 
report will be of interest at this particular time. Take 
up the discussion of these prices and plan means for 
purchasing to the best advantage. See local hardware 
dealer. 

Your club is now an actuality. Your endeavors and 
those of your fellow-workers have brought together a 
nucleus of earnest shooters. They may be few in 
number, but never mind: provided the timber you 
start with is solid, you can build with confidence. 

Incorporation 

TT is not unusual for a Trapshooting Club to desire 
incorporation, especially when property is to be 
permanently acquired. This may be accomplished 
at a nominal cost, and is a good protective measure. 

Publicity 

"D EMEMBER that a full membership is your guar- 
antee of success. Plan a vigorous campaign for 
adding to your initial list. It is through the news- 
papers that you will reach the greatest number of 
prospects, now that your club is "on the map". It is 
through the press, moreover, that you will hold the 
interest which is vital to every club. 



14 




General Pershing at the traps at one of Uncle Sam's 
army posts at LeMans, France 



How To Shoot 

THAT the crack shot is "born and not made" is 
only a theory. It finds contradiction in the 
record of many a novice who learns to outshoot 
his early scores, climbing up from the tail end of Class D 
to a creditable Class A rating. 

Some of these have advanced to the very front rank 
at a surprisingly rapid rate. Others are constantly 
forging ahead to enviable places. 

Not a few of the best known shots of the day are men 
who were past the prime of life when first they faced 
the traps. 

A zest for rivalry — the inborn determination not to be 
outdone by friend or foe — this is the American's birth- 
right — 'this is the power behind the gun that makes for 
better scores. 

Trapshooting, in common with all sporting contests 
of skill, is best learned by actual practice. Much can 
be gained, however, by studying the methods of 
successful shooters. Any normal man or woman who 
masters the fundamentals of this sport can soon learn 
to shoot at least reasonably well. 

The following suggestions, compiled out of the 
experience of the country's leading trapshooters, will 
be found helpful to beginners. 

Selecting the Gun 

OBVIOUSLY, the most important point for the trap- 
shooter's consideration is the gun. On its choice 
depends much of the pleasure and success of his days 
at the traps. 

16 



The principal things to be considered in choosing 
a trap gun are: durability, dimensions of stock, length 
of barrel, mechanical strength, balance and general 
feel of the gun. Durability is the chief factor in the 
gun's good behavior, and only a gun that it is known 
will stand years of hard usage should be selected; for 
one naturally wants a gun that will still be useful after 
one learns to shoot it. The 12-gauge is standard, and 
the popular boring is 70 to 75 per cent choke. 

This is why the Winchester is the most popular 
gun for trapshooting. It stands the wear and tear and 
at the same time is an all-around gun, adapted for both 
singles and doubles, also for duck and field shooting. 

The best guns are not always the most expensive. 
Fancy finish and elaborate engraving may make a gun 
more attractive, but never a better gun. 

Fit of the Gun 

T— TAVING determined the proper type of gun for the 
traps, it is essential to find one that "fits" you 
properly. Handle a number of guns, and if possible, 
try them out at the traps. It will help you to deter- 
mine your exact requirements. 

The question of fit means the proper dimensions; 
that is, the drop of the heel of the butt below the line 
of sight, the drop at the comb, and length of stock. 
You may require a very straight stock — or one with 
more than the average drop. Your physical make-up 
governs the matter of which particular gun will "feel" 
and handle best in your hands — this and your shooting 
habits. Some require one dimension, some another; 
there is no definite rule, except that for trapshooting 
one usually does best with a slightly straighter stock 
than one would choose for field shooting. 

17 



An approximate fit is all the novice can expect. The 
basic principle is to bring the sights in alignment with 
the eye accurately and quickly. The shooting high or 
low of a gun is determined mainly by the manner in 
which the sights are adjusted or in which the rib is 
placed, in relation to the barrel. To illustrate this, 
take a front sight of %6 inch above the inside of barrel 
at muzzle, then by lowering the barrel, or raising the 
alignment at the breech or receiver, in other words the 
rear end of rib, you make the barrel point higher which 
naturally makes the gun shoot higher. 

The straight gun is one which is built with a high 
comb which does not permit the eye to come down to 
the rear of rib. Consequently the alignment is above 
the rear of rib, the barrel pointing high, and the load 




18 



has to go high. Many shooters govern this by their 
cheek, light pressure when desiring the load to go high 
and hard pressure when the load is to go low. The 
difficulty with this method is that it is very likely to 
cause cross-firing, and again, it is very unreliable when 
any of the numerous troublesome and varying light 
conditions or mirage are encountered. 

The Touch of the Cheek 

"THE straight built gun is not much better than the 
above for the shooter is compelled to judge how far 
to hold under certain targets and is handicapped greatly 
in the above mentioned light conditions. This judg- 
ment or calculation in regard to the place to aim accord- 
ing to the flight of the target is minimized by having the 
stock made so that the eye comes in perfect alignment 
with the sights, the front sight being silhoutted between 
the shoulders or in the groove of the rear sight as the 
gun touches the cheek, and too much importance 
cannot be placed on this touch for when you can close 
your eyes and put your gun up and tell by the "touch 
of the cheek" that your eye is in perfect alignment with 
the sights, then you may, with reason, assume that 
your gun comes pretty close to fitting. The eye should 
photograph the position of the sights and never should 
the trigger be pulled until this position can be seen. 
In aiming this position should be held and the spot to 
aim decided upon the instant the target appears and 
the gun pushed to this spot without disturbing this 
position or alignment of sights. Your gun should fit 
so that you can hold this position of sights or alignment 
and secure it instantly, and with your eyes closed. 

Care should be taken to have your stock for target 
shooting long enough so that, when putting the gun 
to the shoulder and pointing at an angle of 45 degrees 

19 





Fig. 2 



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above a line with the shoulder, the fingers of the right 
hand are about 1 Y2 inches from the nose and the sights 
are properly aligned. (Figure 1.) Try this with your 
eyes closed before putting the gun up. Place the gun 
where you think it belongs upon your shoulder and 
put your face where you think it belongs upon the 
comb keeping the eyes closed all the while. Then 
bring the gun down to a line with the shoulder as shown 
in Figure 2. Then open your eyes. (Figure 3.) If 
you have the sights aligned your gun is at least a 90 
per cent fit, also \ou have the proper position and are 
ready to call, "Pull". 

Drop of Stock 

"THE "drop" of a gun is measured at two separate 
points — the "heel" and the "comb". To ascertain 
this drop lay a straight edge along the barrel having 
it project to the end of the stock. Measuring the dis- 
tance from the heel of stock to the straight edge as in 
A A in diagram below gives the "drop at heel." In 
similar manner, measuring from the comb of the stock 
to the straight edge, B B, gives the "drop at comb." 



The popular demand is supplied with great success 
by the standard stock dimensions of the Winchester 
Tournament and Trap Guns. These are as follows: 
Tournament grade: length of stock, 14 inches; drop at 
comb, 1% 6 inches; drop at heel, 1% inches. Trap 
grade: length of stock, 13% inches; drop at comb 1% 6 
inches; drop at heel, 1% inches. 

21 



The Winchester Ventilated Rib Tournament Gun, 
length 14 inches, comb lJ/£", heel l%". Trap gun, 
length 14 inches, comb I>£", heel \%" . 



Length of Stock 

"THE length of a gun stock is measured from the 
trigger to the central edge of the butt plate; also 
from the trigger to the heel and to the toe, as the 
latter two dimensions determine the pitch of the barrel. 
(See C D and C E in the diagram on Page 21 .) 

Another way to determine the pitch is to stand the 
gun flat upon the butt, on a level floor, with its breech 
against an absolutely perpendicular wall, and measure 
the distance from the wall to the barrel at the muzzle. 
The floor or whatever the gun stands upon must be 
exactly at a right angle to the wall. If the barrel 
points down or away from the wall the gun is pitched 
down; if the barrel muzzle but not the breech touches 
the wall it pitches up. There is no standard pitch for 
trapshooting, for what is required usually depends 
upon the manner in which the shooter holds his gun to 
his shoulder, also his position in shooting. The best 
pitch for most beginners is % inch down. 

The thickness of the stock is one of the most im- 
portant features to be considered — to the veteran 
shooter perhaps the most important. It must be 
thick or thin according to the slant, thickness and firm- 
ness of flesh of the shooter's cheek and the position of 
his eye. However, the proper thickness is not difficult 
to determine, as compared with the best drop and pitch 
— at least not until one gets to the point of correcting 
one's shooting faults by altering stock dimensions. 
For it is easy to tell if the gun lines up properly when 
the stock rests properly against the cheek. 

22 



Trigger Pull 

"THE trigger pull is important, and should be about 
five pounds for the beginner. 

Ammunition 

(^HOICE of loads adapted to clay targets has narrow- 
ed down to two or three. Of these, the one con- 
taining 3 drams of "bulk" or 24 grains "dense" powder 
with 1J4 ounces of No. 7Yi chilled shot is the best. 
It would be well for the beginner, however, to adopt a 



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A squad in action on the trapshooting grounds 
of the New York Athletic Club 



23 



load of 2% or 3 drams of "bulk" (22 or 24 grains "dense") 
powder and \y% ounces of No. 7Yi chilled shot, as this 
gives less recoil and is still a practical trapshooting load. 

Position 

"THE shooter's left foot (provided he is right handed) 
is slightly advanced. • His weight should rest squarely 
on both feet, with a slight forward bend from the hips. 
There must be careful regard for balance, however, with 
no tendency toward forward strain at moment of firing. 

The gun is held with butt pressed firmly to the 
shoulder, and left hand extended to a point which 
insures unstrained support and a free lateral swing of 
the gun. This point will vary with length of arm and 
individual inclination. The right hand holds the gun 
firmly at the grip, with index finger lightly pressing the 
trigger. 

The shooter should assume a position which allows 
the greatest freedom of movement. Yet in swinging 
to left or right to shoot at quartering targets he should 
pivot the whole body, not attempt the movement with 
the arms only. 

The gun is aligned. The shooter with face slightly 
raised from alignment, stands motionless, but keenly 
alert. The instantaneous judgment of flight and 
where to point the gun is the one thought that should 
have place in his mind. Standing naturally, his 
position such that he can swing instantly to left or 
right, for a sharply quartering target, he is ready to 
call out his command "Pull." 

Alignment 

A GUN may be said to be in alignment with the vision 

when the front sight and the center of the rib 

closest to the eye are in a direct line with the eye. 

24 




At one of the traps of the Oriole Gun Club, Baltimore, Md. 
View from the clubhouse 



This alignment should be kept in mind, and should be 
lined up with the spot where your judgment tells you 
to shoot in order to hit the target. 

Both Eyes Should Be Open 

"THAT the trapshooter should shoot with both eyes 

open is the opinion of experts the country over. 
At the beginning of his career it is quite common 
for the right-shouldered shooter to use the right eye 
alone, closing the left and aiming at the flying target 
with scrupulous care. A left-shouldered shooter re- 
verses this order and sights with the left eye alone. In 
either case, he is slow, shoots late, because he is handi- 
capping himself. 

However, when a beginner first tries to keep both 
eyes open his vision may become confused, which 
forces him to close one eye. But as he becomes more 
accustomed to shooting he usually finds that the use 
of both eyes greatly increases his speed and accuracy. 

It has been argued that even when both eyes are 
open it is the "master eye" alone which actually directs 
the gun. This is true to a certain extent, but the other 
eye is of great assistance in locating the target accu- 
rately. The avoidance of squinting also lessens the 
strain on the directing eye. 

It is true that a very few successful trapshooters 
close one eye when shooting, but these are the excep- 
tions. The vast majority find it easier and much more 
effective to use both. 

Aiming 

"THE expert trapshooter aims at the spot where he 

wants his shot charge to hit the flying target, and in 

doing so directs the gun with the hand that grips the 

26 



gun-stock, holding slightly up with the other hand 
gripping the action slide handle or fore-end. 

To see your target correctly is the first step ; to place 
your load so that it may meet and break it, the second. 

You are not, in actual fact, shooting at the target. 
You are shooting at the spot which, by rapid calcula- 
tion, you have decided the target will reach at precisely 
the same time as the load of shot. In shooting quarter- 
ing targets this is called "leading." 

Each different angle and elevation at which the 
target is thrown, the direction and strength of wind, 
and varying light conditions, will require a different 
calculation — a different amount of "lead," or place to 
hold. 

Firing Point Rules 

"THE loading and unloading of the gun while partici- 
pating in a trapshooting event is regulated by the 
strictest of rules, which provide for the safety of all 
concerned and must be rigidly observed. 

Extracts from rules: 

"A contestant may load his gun only when at the 
firing point facing the traps 

"... In single target shooting he shall place only 
one shell in his gun, removing it or the empty shell 
before turning from the firing point." 

Unwritten laws that are hardly less important than 
official rules are : 

Remove the shell from your gun if there is an inter- 
mission or delay of any kind while you are at the firing 
line. 

Always see that your gun is empty before moving 
from No. 5 to No. 1 position. 

Never carry a loaded gun about the club house or 
grounds — or point one, loaded or unloaded, in the 
direction of anyone. 

27 



Leading Targets 

By J. Mowell Hawkins 

THIS is one of the most important things in shooting 
moving objects and it is, without doubt, the 
most intricate subject in connection with shoot- 
ing. Therefore, it is one that only the experts of the 




Diagram for leading targets 



28 



game can come close to agreeing upon. The great 
majority have never figured it out. 

Ask a dozen shooters at any tournament just how far 
they lead a sharp right quarterer and you will get as 
many different answers, some even saying they do not 
lead at all, yet what a kick these same shooters put up 
if a bird happens to vary from the 45 degree angle. 



What Leading Target Means 

[ EADING means getting ahead of the object or inter- 
cepting its line of flight no matter whether it is 
going up or down or a combination of the two which, of 
course, is the most difficult calculation to make. The 
only object that does not require a lead is a straight-away 
that has just reached the crest of its flight or an object 
thrown straight up which has lost its momentum and 
for the infinitesimal part of a second apparently hesitates 
on its yielding of propellation to the influence of gravity 
and starts upon its return. Therefore, these two occa- 
sions are the only times a moving object is the same as a 
still or stationary target and no lead is required, but 
mirage, opalescent heat waves, wind or the numerous 
light conditions should be allowed for just the same, 
and these vary according to the distance. 

In a tournament upon the first Winchester Team 
trip in 1906 at Vicksburg, Miss., when Bill Crosby was 
without question the champion of the world, he had 
broken 197 out of 200 in a strong wind from the left and 
the sun shining upon the left side of the rib. No one 
else was within five targets of him and someone asked 
him how he broke that jumping left quarterer and Bill 
smiled and said, "Well, I just throw the point of my gun 
about six feet ahead and two feet above it, shut my eyes 
and trust to the Lord. If I miss I get just what I ex- 

29 



pected when I pulled the trigger, and if I break it, I 
thank the Lord." 

Many Methods used by Shooters 

\/f ANY shooters have guns with thin combs and they 
find they do not have to lead the right quarterers 
and wonder why they must lead their left quarterers 
and vice versa with a thick comb. Some overcome ihis 
by using a straight gun with thin or thick comb and cant 
the gun to the right or left enough to get the benefit of 
the arc of the trajectory to overcome the lead that 
would otherwise be necessary and they trust to the 
natural swing of the gun to carry the shot ahead of the 
target. There are numerous combinations that shooters 
figure out to suit their individual desires and they adopt 
positions at the score and methods of handling their 
guns which at some time enabled them to break an 
exceptionally good score and they are continually 
endeavoring to regain their former successful method, 
never realizing that their good score had been made by 
drawing the targets they could break best and the few 
targets they were afraid of, their weak angle, because 
they did not know how to lead it, were broken more by 
chance than by good pointing. 

Draw Big Influence on Scores 

T^HE draw has a great deal to do with good scores. 
Few realize how largely it does figure with the 85 to 
90% shooter. In a great majority of cases it is due to the 
uncertainty in their minds upon the lead of a certain 
target. There is no question about a lead being neces- 
sary. The quick, snappy execution shooter may not 
lead as much as the more deliberate shooter and the 
method of swinging and follow-up of the gun has a 
tendency to cut down a little upon the lead. For my 

30 



Figure 1 

part, I always have worked on the theory that the 
effective spread of shot at 36 yards was about 24 inches. 
This means twelve inches upon each side of the place 
you pointed the sight. Therefore, if I pointed ten inches 
ahead of the target and, as some said no lead was nec- 
essary, I would still have two inches of pellets to break 
the target with and it would have to go 22 inches while 
the shot was getting there for me to shoot behind it. 
(See Fig. 2) . I have always led my targets. When going 
back of 16 yards, the lead must necessarily be increased. 

Lead Same on Both Angles 

TF your gun is built properly the lead should be the 
same on both angles, right or left. Many right hand 

shooters miss their left quartering bird because they 

stop their gun slightly when they pull the trigger and 

vice- versa on the right quarter. 

I would like to wager that old veterans like Gilbert, 

Elliott, Huff, Spencer, Heikes, Taylor and Apgar shoot 

ahead of more of those they 

miss than behind them. 
The chart on page 28 

shows the theoretical lead 

needed on various targets 

based on an average velocity 

of shot charge over 40 yards 

of 900 feet per second and 

an average velocity of clay 

birds of 60 feet per second. 

The assumed point of control 

is 24 yards from the trap. Fi & ure 2 

31 




This Table will be Helpful in Determining 
Your Lead 



Position 



Left Quarter 45° Straight-away Right Quarter 45° 
Range Lead Range Lead Range Lead 

Yds. Ft. Yds. Ft. Yds. Ft. 



33.294 


2.95 


39.166 


1.30 


39.352 


1.43 


37.085 


2.48 


40.000 


0.00 


37.085 


2.48 


39.352 . 


1.43 


39.166 


1.30 


33.294 


2.95 




A club shoot in progress at the traps of the Wilmington, Del, 
Traps hooting ^ Association 



32 



Equipment 



A COMPLETE diagram showing correct installa- 
tion of traps, will be found on page 44. Five 
shooting positions are shown, as, in all 
tournaments and most club shoots, a squad of five 
shooters faces the trap or traps at one time. The 
shooting positions are numbered from 1 to 5, number 
one position being at the extreme left, facing the traps. 
The distance between the five firing point positions and 
the trap is 16 yards, with distance handicaps extending 
back to 23 yards. A distance of from three to five 
yards — depending on scope of the grounds — separates 
the several positions. 

Traps 

"THE size of your club in point of membership should 
dictate the number of traps that are necessary to 
properly care for every shooter. It is possible, of 
course, to start with one simple ground trap of the 
"Expert" type. Many small clubs have done so ; 
adding other traps as their membership increased. 

Three "Expert" traps, set Sergeant System are 
sufficient equipment for an average, active club. 

Automatic Traps 

\\7HEN the amount of shooting warrants it the 

"automatic" type of trap is, without doubt, the 

most satisfactory to install. The Leggett, or latest 

Ideal Elliott Machine Trap, manufactured by the 

33 



Chamberlain Cartridge & Target Company, Cleveland, 
Ohio; and the Spangler Automatic Trap, manufactured 
by the Spangler Automatic Angle Trap Company, 
Tarlton, Ohio, and the McCrea Automatic Trap, manu- 
factured by the Western Cartridge & Target Co., East 
Alton, 111., are very successful. 

Hand Traps 

I-JAND traps, although not a necessary part of the 
equipment of a trapshooting club, are becoming 
more and more popular for informal trapshooting. 
They give many opportunities for good sport and 
valuable practice which would otherwise be impossible. 

A hand trap, supply of shells and clay targets, can be 
carried in a suitcase. Carried along in automobile, 
boat or street car to any convenient place, this compact 
outfit, your gun and a companion, is all you need to 
conduct your own trap shoot. Such trapshooting, 
enjoyed on picnics, motor trips, or boating parties, at 
summer and winter resorts, in camp, or in any con- 
venient field on the edge of town, is a very satisfactory 
substitute for the club shoots to those for whom the 
latter do not come often enough. A Hawkins right or 
left hand trap may be made in a few moments out of a 
small board. 

The standard targets used in trapshooting are con- 
caved discs made of a combination of tar and silt, or 
substitutes, and having a diameter of approximately 
4J^ inches. The standard targets are specially de- 
signed to meet the three most important requirements 
of the traps; to be consistent enough to avoid breaking 
too easily in shipping and in the traps, and at the same 
time to be good "breakers" when hit by the shot charge 
from the gun. They are also carefully designed for 
perfect balance and proper distribution of weight, 

34 




At a leading industrial gun club's tournament 

ensuring steady flight under all sorts of wind conditions. 
They conform to the standard dimensions, may be used 
in any trap, and will break, as a rule, when hit by but 
two or three shot pellets. 

Targets for use at the traps, are made by the follow- 
ing concerns : 

Target Name Maker Location 

White Flyer Western Cartridge Company E. Alton, 111. 
Blue Rock Chamberlain Cartridge 

and Target Co. Cleveland, O. 

Black Diamond Black Products Co. Chicago, 111. 
Canadian Blackbird Nelson Long Hamilton, Canada 



Shooting Grounds 

"DEAR in mind the success of your club must depend 
upon membership — and membership will largely 
depend on the convenience of getting to the shooting 
grounds. 

As has been said before, make your club a convenient 
one. It will go far to establish a healthy membership 
and to maintain it. 

35 



Location 

"THE question of location, nevertheless, must be 
governed by the requirements of safety. 
Do not install your traps within 300 or 400 yards, 

at least, of any occupied building. Avoid the proximity 

of schools and churches. 

Other Factors 

ZITHER factors which should influence your choice 
of shooting grounds are, first, the gun's position and 
arc of swing; second, the background as it affects the 
shooter's view of the targets. 

A level stretch of ground with only the sky for a 
background is, of course, ideal for your layout. A 
compromise in some direction, however, must nearly 
always be made. 

Face Northerly 

VOU should have the sun at your back, or nearly so, 
if you expect to have all-day shoots. Try to arrange 
that the shooters shall face in a northerly direction — 
with an unobstructed background. 

Club House 

^ CLUB house may be built for $100, $1,000, $10,000 
— what you like ! Trapshooting, as has been said 
before, embraces in its ranks men from every walk of 
life and of every degree of wealth. Nothing more 
clearly shows this than the variety of club houses to be 
seen in an extended trip through the country. 

You may be sure that rainy days are certain to catch 
you at your shooting, and a shelter, let it be ever so 
small, is greatly to be desired. 

36 



It is an undoubted fact, moreover, that a house adds 
stability to your organization, and tends to make it 
permanent. 




Frank Troeh. 
A trapshooter extraordinary 

Plans for two inexpensive club houses will be found 
on page 42. These are published just by way of 
suggestion. The Winchester Shooting Promotion 

37 



Division will gladly cooperate with parties wishing to 
obtain club house plans. 

Shooting Clothes 

INDIVIDUAL taste will influence the trapshooter's 
choice of clothing. There are no rules for his of her 
observance. It is merely necessary that the coat or 
jacket be full and comfortable across the shoulder and 
under the arms. Suede leather jackets are popular, 
because they are light, soft and windproof. A shirt 
with a soft collar is a rational adjunct. Naturally, the 
hat or cap should defy the wind and shade the eyes. 

There are on the market several excellent types of 
coats and jackets that are specially designed to meet 
the trapshooter's needs. They are preferable to the 
ordinary coat, and will repay investigation. 

Shell Bag or Holder 

A USEFUL item of the trapshooter's personal equip- 
ment is a shell bag in which to carry his shells while 
at the score, in case he does not have shell pockets 
in his coat or jacket. Bags of canvas, leather, or 
other suitable material, also holders for shell boxes, 
may be obtained and are worn suspended from a belt 
about the hips. A shell stand placed in front of each 
shooting position relieves the shooter and tends to 
improve scores, but you cannot depend upon finding 
these at all shooting grounds. 

Shooting Glasses 

("^LASSES are quite commonly worn to protect the 

eyes from glares and unusually bright lights, also 

the gas and residue of powder and wads, blown back 

38 




(/) Philadelphia Trapshooters Assn (2) N. Y. Athletic Club 
(3) Lancaster County (Pa.) Gun Club 



on a windy day. For the latter a large plain glass is all 
that is necessary; for the former, a large amber glass 
gives satisfaction. There are glasses of a light yellow- 
ish shade, known as brightening glasses, which are a 
great help on a dark day or when the background is 
unusually dark. Of course, when there are defects in 
the eyesight it is necessary to have prescription glasses 
made. 

Powders 

QHOTGUN powders are divided into two classes, 
according to their composition ; smokeless and black. 
Smokeless powders are further divided, being classified 
as bulk and dense. Black powder is not allowed nowa- 
days in trap loads, because the smoke is objectionable 
to the shooter and others at the firing line. Further- 
more, black powder does not equal the efficiency of 
present day smokeless powders. 

Bulk smokeless powders are so called because they 
may be loaded bulk for bulk with black powders. 
Dense smokeless powders are so named because an 
equivalent load of powder to give the same ballistics 
as the bulk smokeless is of smaller volume than the bulk. 
By a process known as colloid ing, these powders are 
formed into a more compact, denser mass, which 
accounts for the fact that equivalent ballistics are con- 
tained in smaller volume. Dense powders are not 
affected by moisture or conditions of storage. 

Winchester Leader and Repeater shells, loaded with 
24 grains of dense smokeless powder,. give a velocity of 
865 foot-seconds for the 1J^ ounce No. 7Yi chilled shot 
load, and 880 foot-seconds for the 1 }/g. When loaded 
with 3 drams of bulk smokeless they give 900-foot- 
seconds velocity for the 1 x /i ounce load and 920 for the 
1J^. Winchester Nublack and New Rival (black 

40 



powder) shells with 3 drams of powder and 1 J/g ounces 
of shot give 865 foot-seconds. These velocities are 
measured over a range of 40 yards. The standard 
trap load is Repeater or Leader 3-1 Y^-lYi chilled, but 
2% drams lj^'is best for beginners as there is less recoil. 
All standard bulk and dense smokeless powders are 
loaded in Winchester Leader and Repeater shells. 




A squad of women shooting on the traps at Lakewood, N. J. 



41 



pr^ 


r.r.^ 


i 
i 


1 


V — ' V 




i£L 


(--..--.I 


— iu^m j iu 


_ 7 ,J 



V 

-4- 1 




Designs for club houses, 
to cost from $350 to 
$1,250, according to lo- 
cation and amount of 
finishing. Courtesy E. I. 
du Pont de Nemours 
Powder Co. 




42 



Club Shoots 

EVERY effort should be made to conduct your 
club shoots in an efficient and up-to-date man- 
ner. By this is meant that your program must 
be run off with dispatch and the minimum of confusion. 
Impress the necessity of this upon everybody. A club 
is largely rated by its ability to carry through its program 
with a certain "snap and go." 

It is necessary before every shoot to make careful 
preparation for its successful conduct. Your supply of 
targets and shells, for example, must be sufficient to 
carry through the program of events and practice. 
Also, sufficient shells should be available for shooters 
who fail to bring their own. Traps must be in thor- 
ough order, trappers on hand, referee, scorer, field 
captain, score and bulletin boards ready, and every 
detail properly arranged. Especially the cashier must 
know what is expected of him, understand cashiering 
and be provided with a supply of score sheets. 

Visitors 

OROVISION should be made for the comfort and 
pleasure of visitors and every courtesy extended 
them on their arrival. 

The field captain and any assistants he has as squad 
hustlers should be sticklers for promptness, and get 
military snap into their work. 

Your prospective shooters should be on the spot when 
it is time to start the program. Nothing so disturbs 
a shoot for all concerned as waiting for thoughtless or 
delayed contestants. 

43 



Procedure 

ORIEFLY, a club shoot is conducted in the following 
manner : 
Score sheets are filled in with the names of the 
contestants. These are divided into squads of 5 each. 
Each squad is numbered, as squads No. 1, 2, 3, 4, etc. 
Each individual should remember his squad number, 
also his position in the squad; that is, whether he is 
No. 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, in whatever squad he is in. 

Diagram of the Grounds 

T^HE accompanying diagram shows the location of the 

firing line, location of the trap or traps and^the 

boundary stakes, and the area within which the targets 



oFTWJLgcgr r A „ 




44 



are thrown. A represents the firing line and its five 
points, each 16 yards behind the trap, which is repre- 
sented by B. The line B C indicates the distance 
targets should be thrown — 50 yards. They must be 
thrown within the bounds indicated by the shaded 
area ; if a target is thrown outside either of the boundary 
stakes B D at the left and right corners of the shaded 
90 degree sector, it may be refused. Lines DEB are 
introduced to assist in locating other lines; they have 
no other purpose. 

When all is in readiness, squad No. 1 is called and 
takes position, each shooter in accordance with his 
number on the score sheet — No. 1 being at the extreme 
left, and No. 5 at the extreme right of the line. There 
is one exception to this rule. If a wind is blowing in a 
direction to blow the smoke and residue of powder and 
wads from No. l's gun in the face of No. 2 the order 
should be reversed, No. 1 starting at the extreme right 
of the line and the order of shooting being from right to 
left. 

The shooters all being in position, the referee re- 
assures himself the trap-puller is at his post and the 
scorer is likewise ready, then calls "Ready?" to the 
target feeder, or trapper, in the trap-house. Upon 
receiving reply of "Yes" or "All right", he tells the 
shooter at position No. 1 to shoot. Thereupon that 
shooter may call "Pull" as soon as he wishes his target 
thrown. 

It is customary for the shooter to put his gun to his 
shoulder and sight it before calling for his target. This 
is optional under the rules, not obligatory, but the 
advantage it gives has made it universal practice in 
American trapshooting. One shot only is allowed at 
each target. Targets are thrown away from the 
shooter, at "unknown angles," left quartering, straight 
away, and right quartering. 

45 



Scoring 

TF the target is broken by the shooter the referee calls 
"Dead" — and a figure 1 is set down to the credit of 
the shooter on the score sheet. Should the target be 
missed entirely, or show no perceptible piece detached 
after being fired at, the referee calls "Lost" and the 
scorer marks down a (zero) against the shooter. 

As soon as the referee has expressed his decision upon 
No. l's target it is No. 2's turn to shoot. And so on, 
until each man has fired the number of shots previously 
allotted to each position. If the event is at 10 targets 
for each shooter, 2 will be shot by each man at each of 
the five positions; 3 if a 1 5-target event; 4 if a 20-target 
event; 5 if a 25-target event. 





Leader *tAffAffU^C f tl!"0 Perfect 
Repeater WW M1\LimJJ>& IPMl Pattern 
SCORE SHEET Shells 


EVENT TftAP 

SQUAD TARGETS 






25 


24 


23 


22 


21 


20 


IS 


18 


17 


16 


IS 


14 


13 


12 


II 


10 


8 


8 


7 


6 


5 


4 


3 


2 


1 


TOIAi 


NAME 


■r'r!" 




























































































































































































































































































w 


mm S^SS! mt ' World Standard Guns ■«- Ammunition J^^EEEZL 





A Trapshooting Score Sheet 



46 



Changes of Positions 

A FTER the first 2, 3, 4 or 5 shots have been fired, by 
every contestant in the squad, all move to the right 
one position, except No. 5 who moves around to No. 1 
position. Supposing it is a 25-target event, 5 more 
targets are shot by each shooter from his new position, 
and again a change is made, these changes continuing 
until each shooter has fired at 5 targets at each of the 5 
shooting positions. Thus the conditions have been 
made the same for all. 

Rotation of Squads 

QUCH other squads as there are, follow in the order 
of their naming on the record of tjie cashier's sheet, 




Trapshooting at the Tedesco Country Club, Swampscott, Mass. 



47 



till each member of the different squads has fired at 25 
targets and the event is finished. 

It is important to keep a complete record of scores. 
They are convenient for use in handicapping, and 
besides, as time and practice tend to improve the 
shooting of the members, this improvement will stand 
out most strongly in the record book and will be of 
interest to provide encouragement to beginners. 

Two shooting days a month is the order in many 
clubs — again in others a weekly shoot is not thought to 
be too much. Every club has its own course to steer 
in this matter, and the committee will be wise to allow 
the first season's schedule to develop with the season. 

Holiday Shoots 

TT is generally the practice to include holiday shoots 
in the regular shooting schedule. Memorial Day, 
Fourth of July, Labor Day, Election Day, Thanks- 
giving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Washington's 
Birthday afford opportunity for utilizing the holiday 
spirit to lend a pleasant diversity to the season's 
program. It is on these days that the turkey shoots 
and gander shoots of early times are re-enacted, with 
pleasure and benefit to all. 



48 







At the traps of a winter resort hotel 



The American Trapshooting 
Association 

THE American Trapshooting Association, with 
headquarters at 460 Fourth Ave., New York City, 
is the official governing body of trapshooting in 
this country. 

The official recognition of this Association is necessary 
to every Gun Club which desires prominence in the 
trapshooting world. 

Any club that is in good standing can readily secure 
this recognition by first joining its State Association. 

Once your club has the endorsement of the American 
Trapshooting Association your tournament or tourna- 
ments receive the Association's unqualified support. 
Material aid is extended to the club. If your shoot is 
registered, your scores are duly recorded for the widest 
publication, and the position of your club made stronger 
in many substantial ways. 

Official Trapshooting Rules 

ANY one can obtain a copy of the official Trap- 
shooting Rules of the American Trapshooting 
Association, free of charge, by writing for it. 

Zone System 

"THE United States and Canada are divided into five 
zones, and each zone has its own organization, 
composed of affiliated state (and provincial, where 
Canadian provinces are included) trapshooting associa- 
tions. At the annual meeting of each of these zone 
50 



organizations, one amateur delegate is elected to repre- 
sent the organization at the annual meeting of the 
National Association. At this latter meeting, the 
General Committee which meets to formulate and 
adopt regulations for the government of the sport is 
composed of the President and five amateur delegates, 
five directors of the Association appointed annually by 
the President. 

Individual members in good standing of the affiliated 
state and provincial associations are eligible to compete 
in all registered tournaments of,the Association, upon 
payment of 50 cents registration fee for each day's 
competition at registered targets. Annual dues for 
individual membership are $1.00, half of which goes to 
the A. T. A. and half to the state or provincial associa- 
tion. 





1 


I 1 | 


; 


{F% ' 




.- &_ ■ffST,* 


1 .TE" ■>- ■% 






• : f 


ifyiK 






:' 


"' Mr 


-i *?/'■■ 






• *# t^ 


• 1 








v* • «■•■. 


' * 


1*. -41' 


i : : - ^ ' ' 







Yale Gun Club, Intercollegiate Champions, 1921 



51 




An intercollegiate match, at Princeton 



Tournaments 

AN occasional tournament does much to enliven 
Z_\ matters for your club. It gains for it, moreover, 
■^ *■ desirable prominence in the trapshooting world, 
and is well worth what it costs to arrange. 

This cost should, however, be regulated to the club's 
finances. It is not necessary that tournament prizes 
be either elaborate or expensive. Some of these you 
will have to purchase, others will, doubtless, be donated 
by your members and citizens of your town. 

Once you have decided that a tournament is desirable, 
arrange to secure these various prizes, and set a date 
sufficiently far ahead to allow for all arrangements. 



Write Up Your Shoot 

A NNOUNCE your approaching tournament in local 

and neighboring newspapers, and have programs 

printed for general distribution. Copies of these should 

52 



be sent to the different sporting weeklies and every 
effort be made to gain prominence for your tournament. 
Merchants will usually advertise in the program and in 
many instances attractive prizes may be secured in 
exchange for advertising space. 

A 150-target tournament will be big enough for the 
average club to stage, and if it is properly advertised 
your entry list will be large. Prize shoots are always 
popular and draw a good attendance. 

A tournament is conducted on the same lines as any 
other shoot, though entry lists are generally much 
larger than those of an average club shoot. This means 
that there are more squads competing, more ties to be 
decided, and of course, more time is consumed in carry- 
ing out the program. 

Suggested Program for a Day's Shoot 

"THERE are a number of different methods for arrang- 
ing programs for tournaments. Usually, one of the 
various systems for the distribution of prizes and 
division of purses is selected which seems most appro- 
priate, according to the available prizes and what is 
considered to be the most popular. Some of the sys- 
tems in most general use are : the Squier Money-Back, 
Lewis Class, Hawkins' Class, Siefken, Jack Rabbit, 
Eastman, Equitable, High Gun, Rose and Percentage. 
The management may use any system or systems, 
but they must be selected and announced before the 
tournament. The entrance fee for each event must be 
decided upon and announced in advance. Then when 
the club's charge of 2 or 3 cents each is deducted for 
targets and help, what is left, together with such money 
as the club may have added, will be divided among the 
contestants by whatever system the management of the 
tournament has designated. 

53 



For a 150-target program, $1.00 or more if desired is 
charged each amateur to enter each of ten 15-target 
events. Of this, 20 cents is deducted and laid aside 
to make up an average purse for the whole program, 
and 20 cents for targets. This leaves 60 cents from 
each contestant which goes to the purse for each event. 
To the event purse any amount may be added. For 
instance, if the club or others make up a purse of $50.00 
this may be divided into ten parts, and $5.00 added to 
each event. The day's average purse may be divided 
in any manner desired among those shooting the whole 
program. Unless otherwise stated in the program, it 
should be divided into one money for each $10.00 
in the purse, and given to the high scores on the 150 
targets. Or it may be divided upon the Hawkins Class 
System or Lewis Class System and any prizes can be 
allotted the same way. Under this system, all other 
target money goes to the club. 

Herewith is a summary of several different sys- 
tems: 



Hawkins Class System 

CCORES of contestants qualifying count one place. The 
number of places thus established is divided by three or four 
according to number shooting. When there are three, each third 
constitutes a class. Ties constitute one place. 

Class 1, highest scores 1st quarter 

Class 2, 2nd quarter 

Class 3, 3rd quarter 

Class 4, lowest scores 4th quarter 

In case the number of places does not divide equally, Class 1 
gets the one odd place, Class 2 gets the second. Money to be 
divided high guns, 50, 30 and 20 in each class. Any number of 
classes may be decided upon according to the number of shooters. 

54 





Sgr^^; 


ml 




C-jf 














■SSXi Br, 

• [BipBp 



s" 



§1 



SS 



<e. 



Lewis Class System (Jimmy Lewis of Pittsburgh, Pa., former- 
ly representative of W.R.A. Co.) 

TWO, three, four or five classes may be established, and are 
generally called A, B, C, D, E. This is not done until the 
day's program or the event is finished; with the understanding 
in advance, of course, that the purse is to be divided according 
to this system. 

The scores are arranged in numerical order, beginning with the 
highest and running down the column, and then divided equally 
into the number of classes agreed upon, Class A being the highest. 
The following rules govern the making of this division. 

Where a short class is necessary, due to odd entry list, the short 
class or classes shall head the list. 

Where the line of division falls in a number of tie scores, the 
contestants are assigned to the class in which the majority of 
scores appear. 

Where an equal number of tie scores appears on either side of 
the line, contestants shall be assigned to the head of the lower 
class. 

When the original division is changed, due to the scores, this 
change shall apply only to the classes directly affected and the 
original equation shall continue in the other classes. 

Next, the purse or prizes are then equally divided by the 
number of classes. 

The purse division in the classes is made according to either 
the Percentage or Rose system, and by Class or High Gun sys- 
tem, merchandise or trophies always being awarded according to 
the latter. 

The Siefken High Gun System, devised by F. H. Siefken, and 
sent to J. Mowell Hawkins with the following letter, is given on 
the next page. 

Mr. J. Mowell Hawkins 

Mgr. Shooting Promotion Division 

Winchester Repeating Arms Co. 

New Haven, Conn. 

Friend Mowell: 

Your letter of the 3rd just to hand. I am enclosing a type- 
written copy of the new system. 

As this is a system of money division I did not tie it up with 
any classification, but I want to tell you that it works beautifully 
when used with your classification system, as we pulled several 
shoots last year this way, and the fact that low average shooters 
got a "whack" at good coin, made many friends for the game, and 
I am convinced that the Siefken High Gun System used in con- 
nection with the Hawkins Classification is the most equitable for 
all classes of shooters of any yet devised. 

Yours for the good of the game, 

_..... (Signed).. F A .Hu.5U5EKJaL. 

56 



Siefken High Gun System 

THIS system can be applied to a program of any number 
of targets, with any amount of an entrance fee, creating 
any number of moneys desired working out best on 75 
or more targets. 
It is divided High Guns and applies only to those shooting 
through the entire program, or the specified number of targets, as 
follows : 

2 Entries up to and including 5, one money less than the num- 
ber shooting through. 
6 Entries up to and including 10, two moneys less than the num- 
ber shooting through. 
1 1 Entries up to and including 21, three moneys less than the 

number shooting through. 
22 Entries up to and including 32, Four moneys less than the 

number shooting through. 
33 Entries up to and including 50, Five moneys less than the 

number shooting through. 
5 1 Entries up to and including 75, Seven moneys less than the 

number shooting through. 
76 Entries up to and including 100, Ten moneys less than the 
number shooting through. 
101 Entries up to and including 200, One 
201 Entries up to and including 300, One 
301 Entries up to and including 400, One 
401 Entries up to and including 500, One 
501 Entries and over One for every 
Added Money is added to the total amount of Purse Fees. 

A contestant may withdraw at any time and be refunded the 
amount of his unfinished targets, provided he gives notice to 
cashier before the start of the next string. The amount he has 
shot at, less the price of targets, is a surplus and is added to the 
total purse fee. 

Proceedure — Ascertain the total amount of the Entrance 
Fees, from this deduct the price of targets, which leaves total 
amount of purse to be divided, to this add the Surplus, or Added 
Money, if any. Refer to scale below selecting the figures desired 
— the figures at the left are the number of moneys, those con- 
necting the divisor — This divisor, divide into total purse fee, 
multiply result by number of moneys wanted, which creates the 
first money, from this subtract the result of the division creating 
the second money, from this subtract the same amount creating 

57 



Money 


for 


every 2 


Money 


for 


every 3 


Money 


for 


every 4 


Money 


for 


every 5 
10 



third money, and so on until exhausted. The last money should 
be same as the result of the division which proves the figures. 
(Do not use fractions, if any, with the result of the division.) 



Number — Divi- 


Number — Divi- 


Number — Divi- 


Mon 


eys — sor. 


Moneys — sor. 


Moneys — sor. 


2 


— 3 


35 


— 630 


67 


— 2278 


3 


— 6 


36 


— 666 


68 


— 2346 


4 


— 10 


37 


— 703 


69 


— 2415 


5 


— 15 


38 


— 741 


70 


— 2485 


6 


— 21 


39 


— 780 


71 


— 2556 


7 


— 28 


40 


— 820 


72 


— 2628 


8 


— 36 


41 


— 861 


73 


— 2701 


9 


— 45 


42 


— 903 


74 


— 2775 


10 


— 55 


43 


— 946 


75 


— 2850 


11 


— 66 


44 


— 990 


76 


— 2926 


12 


— 78 


45 


— 1035 


77 


— 3003 


13 


— 91 


46 


— 1081 


78 


— 3081 


14 


— 105 


47 


— 1128 


79 


— 3160 


15 


— 120 


48 


— 1176 


80 


— 3240 


16 


— 136 


49 


— 1225 


81 


— 3321 


17 


— 153 


50 


— 1275 


82 


— 3403 


18 


— 171 


51 


— 1326 


83 


— 3486 


19 


— 190 


52 


— 1378 


84 


— 3570 


20 


— 210 


53 


— 1431 


85 


— 3655 


21 


— 231 


54 


— 1485 


86 


— 3741 


22 


— 253 


55 


— 1540 


87 


— 3828 


23 


— 276 


56 


— 1596 


88 


— 3916 


24 


— 300 


57 


— 1653 


89 


— 4005 


25 


— 325 


58 


— 1711 


90 


— 4095 


26 


— 351 


59 


— 1770 


91 


— 4186 


27 


— 378 


60 


— 1830 


92 


— 4278 


28 


— 406 


61 


— 1891 


93 


— 4371 


29 


— 435 


62 


— 1953 


94 


— 4465 


30 


— 465 


63 


— 2016 


95 


— 4560 


31 


— 496 


64 


— 2080 


96 


— 4656 


32 


— 528 


65 


— 2145 


97 


— 4753 


33 


— 561 


66 


— 2211 


98 


— 4851 


34 


— 595 






99 
100 


— 4950 

— 5005 



Note — 1 Money for every 2 entries — 1 for 3, 1 for 4 and so 
on, may be used as regular program division, or an Optional 
Sweep, also Added Money in extra purses by dividing the amount 
into number of Moneys wanted and applying in extra Moneys. 
When any of these are to be used, program must so state. 

58 




The trap that throws the targets when the shooter calls "Pull" 



The Siefken High Gun System used in connection with the 
Hawkins Classification seems the most equitable for all classes 
of shooters of any yet devised. 



(Luther Squier, Dupont Powder 



Squier Money-Back System 

Co., Wilmington, Del.) 

""THIS system creates a special fund for the purpose of paying 
back in whole or in part, less the price of targets, the entrance 
fees of contestants who compete in all program events, and fail to 
win what they have spent above the charge for targets. This 
fund is made up from the added money contributed to the tourna- 
ment from estimated profit upon targets trapped, and an extra 
entrance fee, usually $1.00, charged each amateur contestant who 
competes in all the program events. 

There is no guarantee given to fully reimburse those entitled 
to receive a return ; but where the added money of a tournament 
has been placed in the special fund for distribution under this 
system, there usually is sufficient to pay back the full amount of 
all entrance fees, less the charge for targets. 

In case of a surplus, this is divided among the amateur high 
guns on a percentage basis, which provides for from two to thirty 
moneys, according to the amount. 

59 



Hawkins Classification by Average 

HTO be used for classifying shooters for a day's tournament, an 
afternoon shoot or for clubs to classify their shooters for month 
or season. 

Classes are made up before shooting. Each contestant has his 
known or estimated average applied against him. 

Two or more equal averages are classified as one place. 

If there are from 10 to 25 places (not entries or averages), they 
are divided into three classes; 25 to 50 places, four classes; 50 to 
100 places, five classes; one class for each 50 places thereafter. 

For example, where there are 25 entries with two cases of equal 
averages, there will be 23 places, three classes. Eight places com- 
prise class one, eight places class 2, seven places class 3. The 
first odd place goes to class one, the second odd place to class 2. 



Class 1 



Class 2 



Class 3 



Smith 


.9575 


Tallman 


.8910 


Thorpe 


.8325 


Brown 


.9436 


Winder 


.8862 


Powell 


.8200 


*Jones 


'.9314* 


Tinker 


.8832 


Macy 


.8170 


*Hill 


.9314* 


Wylie 


.8762 


Jenks 


.8050 


Kelly 


.9287 


Emmett 


.8757 


Crane 


.7245 


Howe 


.9208 


* Irving 


.8550* 


Nixon 


.6970 


Doble 


.9167 


*Duke 


.8550* 


Dye 


.6886 


McKee 


.8980 


Arthurs 


.8486 






Owen 


.8933 


Allen 


.8350 






* Duplicate 


averages, 


counting one place. 







This system is especially equitable as it puts nearly the same 
number of contestants in each class and permits contestants of 
equal ability to contest against each other and is the best for 
classifying your club members for the whole season. 



Jack Rabbit System 

""THIS system also places a fixed value on every target trapped, 
but this does not include the price of the targets. It very sim- 
ply reimburses each contestant the full amount of his entry per 
target, for every target he breaks, and divides what is left between 
those who shoot into first, second and third place, on a basis of 
50, 30 and 20 per cent. Thus, in a 25-target event, the manage- 
ment, if charging 2 cents each for targets, and fixed valuation 
being 10 cents a target, takes entries at $3 each. It pays back 
$2.50 to the shooter who runs straight and in addition gives him 
his share, on the basis of 50 per cent, for first place, 30 for second 
and 20 for third place, of the sum accumulated by retaining 10 
cents for every target lost. 

60 



Eastman Class System 

pTACH contestant on making entry is required to truthfully 
declare to cashier the score he made the last day he shot at a 
registered tournament during the same season; otherwise his pre- 
vious year's average on registered targets must be given. If he 
scored above 93%, he is entered to shoot in Class A; over 85 and 
including 93%, Class B; all under and including 85% Class C. 

After deducting the amount charged for targets, the balance 
becomes a part of the purse in each class, the total amount of 
which is divided on scores made for the entire program, division 
being according to the High Gun system, one money for every 
two entries. 

Contestants shoot for purses in their own class only, and in no 
way are the purses of the classes mingled. In case the club is giv- 
ing added money, this should be divided equally between the 
three classes. 

If it is giving trophies, they should be of equal value and given 
to the high man in each class. If there are more than fifty ama- 
teur contestants, the system automatically changes to four classes, 
division being as follows : 

Over 93 %— Class A 
Over 88% and including 93%— Class B 
Over 84% and including 88%— Class C 
All under 84%— Class D 

In case of a two or three day tournament, the classification 
changes each day, based on scores made the preceding day. 



D 1 , 



The Equitable System 

)IVISION is here made on the basis of the number of targets 
broken by those who share in the division of the money. I f 
for example, it is decided there are to be four moneys for a 25- 
target event at $2.50 entrance, and there are forty contestants, 
the result will be somewhat as follows: Deducting a club charge 
of 2 cents a target from the total entry of $100 leaves a balance in 
the purse to be contested for at 1 ,000 tragets. Suppose that : 

Two men score 25, making a total of 50 
Two " " 24, " " " " 48 

Two " " 23, " " " " 46 

Eight " " 22, " " " " 176 

Total 320 

Those in the money have broken 320 targets. Divide the $80.00 
by 320, and the value of each target broken is 25 cents. Thus 
the 25's have won $6.25 each, the 24's $6.00 each, the 23's %5.75 
each and the 22's $5.50 each. 

61 



Handicapping 

'"THERE are two popular systems of handicapping, of which the 
distance handicap is most widely used. As a rule, the maxi- 
mum distance is 7 yards back of the standard 16-yard line, or 23 
yards, for the best shots. The other shooters are placed at 17, 18, 
19, 20, 21, or 14 or 15 yards, according to their estimated ability. 
24 or 25 yards are used at times. 

Added Target Handicaps 

XTO handicapping committee is required for this system — the 
shooter handicaps himself by his previous score. His last 
score in a similar event, or the average of his last two, three or four 
scores, is taken as the basis for starting with. After that, the 
score he made in the preceding event establishes his handicap for 
the next one. In a 25-target event, a score of 23 or more is con- 
sidered evidence of no handicap being required ; or in other words, 
if the shooter has last broken 23 or more targets out of 25, nothing 
will be added to his succeeding score. If his previous net score 
was 22, he gets 1 target; if 21, he receives 2, and so on up to 10 
added targets in 25. A shooter who with his handicap of added 
targets exceeds the highest possible score, is scored only the full 
number of targets in the event. 

Distance Handicap 

r THE basis for allotting distance handicaps is the shooter's 
average at 16 yards; but the handicapping committee has the 
power to make any necessary adjustments to provide for an 
equitable contest. This is necessary in order to do justice alike to 
slow shots and quick ones. The usual allotments, with except- 
tions as above, are as follows: 

Shooters who average : 

95% or over 23 yards 

92 to 94% 22 

89 to 91% 21 

86 to 88% 20 

83 to 85% 19 

80 to 82% 18 

77 to 79% 17 « 

76% or under 16 " 

Class System 

'""THE following classifications, or others closely similar to them, 
are used where it is desired to make up classes for trophy shoots 
and provide trophies for each class: 

62 



5 Classes C— 70 to 80% 

A — 92% and up D — 69% and under 
B— 86 to 92% 3 Classes 

C— 76 to 86% A— 88% and up 

D— 65 to 76% B— 75 to 88% 

E — 64% and under C — 74% and under 

4 Classes 2 Classes 

A— 90% and up A— 85% and up 

B— 80 to 90% B— All under 85% 

If all classes compete for one trophy, and added target handi- 
cap is also used, as follows : 

Class A or 1 added target in 25 

" B 2 or 3 " " " 25 

« C 4or 5 « « « 25 

" D 6 or 7 " " " 25 

" E 8 or 9 " " " 25 

When class A contestants are given added targets, all other 
classes receive the smaller number, and vice versa. 

Resident contestant at State tournaments sanctioned by the 
American Trapshooting Association are divided into four classes 
when there are 50 or more of them, into three classes when there 
are less than 50. Classification is on known ability, and made by 
a committee selected from those attending the tournament. The 
classes are as follows: 

4 Classes 3 Classes 

A— 92% and over A— 90% and over 

B— 88 to 92% B— 85 to 90% 

C— 84 to 88% C— Under 85% 
D— Under 84% 

Rose System 

A GIVEN number of points is assigned to each place, the 
usual division being 5, 3, 2 and one. To suit local conditions, 
the points may be made 4, 3, 2, 1 ; 7, 5, 3, 1 ; or five or six figures 
may be used. An equal ratio is assured, high scores are best re- 
warded, and large winnings are not made possible by a contestant 
getting a place alone. Under the usual division if there were fif- 
teen contestants in a 25-bird event, who paid entry fees of $2.50 
each, leaving a purse of $30.00 after 2 cents each had been de- 
ducted for targets, the result might be as follows : 

One first, 5 points at $2 each, $10 

One second, 3 points at $2 each 6 

Three thirds, 6 points at $2 each, 12, or $4 each 

One fourth, 1 point at $2 2 

Total ... $30 

63 



High Gun System 

""TWO places are created for every five or ten contestants, and 
the money, or net purse for each division, is divided 60 and 40 
per cent., between the highest and next highest contestant, in that 
division. The assignment of points is left to the management, 
who will make the most equitable division of the purse according 
to the number of entries. For example, Two moneys, 60 and 40; 
three, 50-30-20; four, 40-30-20-10 or 35-30-20-15; five, 30-25- 
20-15-10; six, 27-23-17, 13-11-9; and soon. 

Percentage System 

Y\/HERE the entry permits of there being two moneys, the net 
purse is divided 50,30 and 20 per cent; four, 40,30,20 and 
10; five, 30,25,20,15-10. This is sometimes varied by arranging 
for three, four or five equal moneys. Ties in the various places 
always divide the purse, therefore a single contestant in a place 
may win handsomely. This element of chance holds this oldest 
of all systems of money division in favor among the better shots, 
in spite of its having long been objected to as giving contestants 
opportunity to drop to a lower class if it was found to promise a 
better return. 

Sliding Handicap 



^HI 



US system is an elaboration of the distance handicap. It re- 
handicaps all contestants after each event. All start at 16 
yards. A contestant who breaks 20 straight in a 20-target event, 
must go back to 20 yards for the next event. He who scores 19 
goes to the 19 yard mark, and so on, 16 yards being the limit al- 
lowed for low scores. It is used similarly for 10-, 15-, or 25-target 
events, a straight -score imposing a 20-yard handicap. 

Standard Trap House 

TT is suggested to all clubs holding Registered Tournaments, by 
the American Trapshooting Association, if possible, to have 
the front eaves of the trap house not more than 2% feet, and the 
rear eaves not more than 3 feet above the level of the shooting 
position ; and that the point where the target first appears at the 
extreme left and right angles from any one of the five shooting 
positions vary not more than 6 feet along the front eaves of the 
trap house. (See page 67). 

Trophies — Prizes — Medals 

""THE question of trophies, prizes, etc., is one which every club 

must handle in accordance with its circumstances. No club 

should begin its career with extravagant ideas in this direction. 

64 



It is suggested, however, that one or more trophies be provided, 
to shoot for which only members of your club are eligible, and 
which are shot for at stated intervals. 

A "Season Cup," for example, can be an attractive trophy for 
which your members shoot once a month. On a prearranged date 
it would finally become the property of the shooter who had won 
the largest number of monthly events. 

It would be fairest to arrange these shoots on a handicap basis, 
as from the very beginning, your shooters will have shown a de- 
cided difference in skill. 

Inexpensive prizes or medals should be provided for other 
occasions. They furnish a stimulus to shooting and an incentive 
to the making of better scores. 




Diagram of firing points for distance handicaps 



65 



SUGGESTED FORM FOR CONSTITUTION AND 
BY-LAWS 

Name and Object 

'T'HE name of this club shall be the 

Gun Club of and its purpose is to pro- 
mote the sport of trapshooting, and to encourage good fellowship 
and a love of the outdoors among its members. 

Membership 

HTHE membership of this club shall consist of such sportsmen as 
may care to associate together for the above purposes, and 
who are acceptable to a Committee on Membership. 

Officers 

"""THE officers of this club shall be a President, Vice-President, . 

Secretary, Treasurer and Field Captain, who shall be elected 
by ballot at the annual meeting, which shall be held on the first 
regular meeting day in each year. 

Duties of Officers 

TT shall be the duty of the President to call meetings of the club, 
* to preside at all regular meetings, and to have general super- 
vision of the affairs of the club. 

The Vice-President shall, in the absence of the President as- 
sume and exercise all the duties of the President. 

The Secretary shall keep all scores and records of the club in 
books prepared for that purpose, and shall have charge of the 
clerical work incidental to all contests and tournaments, and be 
responsible for the correctness of all records. 

The Treasurer shall collect all moneys due from members. He 
shall keep all funds belonging to the club and be responsible for 
the same, making only such disbursements as the proper officers 
shall approve. 

The Field Captain shall have charge of the shooting grounds 
and ground property, and the conduct of all club shooting shall 
be under his direction. 

Meetings 

\4EETINGS of the club shall be held as the members may 
elect at the annual meeting, or upon the call of the Presi- 
dent, or of any three members when such call is presented in 
writing. 

66 



Fees 

"THE annual membership fees of this club shall be . 
payable yearly in advance. The initiation fee of . 
be payable with each election to membership. 



.shall 



By-Laws 

1 . A quorum shall consist of members, with- 
out which number no business may be legally transacted at any 
meeting. 

2. The price of clay targets for practice shall be 

cents each. For club shoots, special prize shoots and for tourna- 
ments, the proper officers may fix the price deemed necessary. 

3. Members wishing to shoot on other than club meeting 
days shall pay for the hire of trappers and for such other expenses 
as they may incur. Members entertaining friends shall be re- 
sponsible for their conduct and all charges incurred by them. 

4. This constitution and by-laws may be amended by the 
vote of a majority of members in attendance at any meeting, pro- 
vided at least two-thirds of the entire membership are present, 
and that written notice of the proposed change shall have been 
given to all members at least one week prior to the date of the 
meeting. 



Hi i' 


i 


1 1 

[1 t\ [ 


]f| f. 


ZVx 3" 


*«««f— ^ 








PLAN 

FOR 

TRAP HOUSES 



Suggested plan for standard trap house to contain a 
single automatic trap 



67 



W TR A PS H OTI NG'SCO R E 
Even! No . Entrance Number of Targets 


SHEET 

Date 








W 

19 


..„ NAMES 

No. xAaa-e.-r3 


) 


2 


3 


4 


5 


6 


7 


8 


9 10 


11 


12 


13 


14 


15 


16 


17 


18 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 24-25 


TOTALS 


POSITION 




# 


\ 








P 


3 








-* 


3 








* 


4 








*5 








Score 





/ 


1 


/ 


/ 


/ 





/ 


I 


/ 


t 


/ 


1 


/ 


1 


/ 


/ 





/ 


r 


/ 


/ 


/ 





/ 


2/ 


"Direction 


\ 


1 


I 


\ 


/ 


/ 


\ 


\ 


/ 


\ 


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/ 


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1 


/ 


k 


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Ha^GrH-r 






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REMARKS 





















































Improving Your Scores 



D 



By J. Mowell Hawkins 

ID you ever try to analyze your shooting? What 
are your weak points ? Where is the weak spot ? 

I have prepared an illustrative chart, shown here, 
which I made up while trying to diagnose the case of a 
95% shooter who had been shooting much below form. 
I believe this will prove interesting and will be of great 
assistance to many who may be in doubt as to where 
their real trouble lies. The chart can be made up upon 
any ordinary score sheet and the information obtained 
in many cases will be highly enlightening. The chart is 
arranged right on the score sheet. 

"Position" means the position or stand at which the 
shooter starts, for it is important that the position or 
stand the shot was fired from be stated. Therefore 
whichever position the shooter may start from, the 
recorder should start scoring in the boxes under the 
position number. The scorer, or recorder, should stand 
directly behind No. 3 stand. 

Next on the chart is "score." Broken or missed, the 



68 



target should be scored. Beneath this the direction of 
the target should be recorded. A left quartering tar- 
get should be scored from the right hand corner of block 
or box on score sheet to upper left hand corner, a 
straight-away from bottom toward the top and a right 
quartering from the left hand corner of block to right. 
The recorder, in other words, should indicate the direc- 
tion of target upon chart as near as possible from his 
position behind stand No. 3 . 

Next on the score sheet should be written "Height." 
That means if a target is higher than usual, it should be 
so indicated by making a horizontal line higher up in 
the block upon score sheet. For a low bird, make a line 
lower down and for a medium bird line across the center 
— (see diagram). 

The direction of wind should next be indicated by an 
arrow pointing in the direction toward which the wind is 
blowing. The distance of the target should be as near 
50 yards as possible. 

Make Analysis of Chart 

A LITTLE study of the illustration will show that the 
shooter who made the score in the accompanying 
illustration was weak on his medium left quarter target 
for this is the one he missed. 

His 21st target was an extreme left and he broke it. 
He broke all of his right and straight-aways and only 
broke three slight left quarterers and it appears that 
these were broken because the height of each was just 
about medium. The four left quartering targets he 
missed were high ones and it is evident from the direc- 
tion of the wind that the height was caused by the wind 
therefore it is reasonable to assume that there was an 
upward wind pressure upon the target with slight right 
drift to shot and his trouble was caused by undershooting. 

69 



Chart Proves Itself 

"PHE assumption was proven in this case for the 
shooter, after looking at the chart, returned to score 
and broke 24 out of 25 including five slight left quarter- 
ed. He did this by shooting higher and missed one 
straight-away by over-shooting. 

If your gun is too straight or too crooked, stock too 
long, or too short, comb too thick to too thin, if you are 
gripping too far out with the fore-arm, shooting too 
slow or too quick, a conscientious and correct record of 
six or eight strings of 25, charted in detail according to 
direction, will disclose the fact or, through a process of 
elimination of the strong points, will narrow the trouble 
down to one of the above causes or establish the fact. 




THE FIRST SPRING SHOOT* 



70 



Winchester Service To 
Trapshooters 

THE Shooting Promotion Division of the Winches- 
ter Repeating Arms Company is conducted for 
the purpose of giving practical assistance to trap- 
shooters, all users of shotguns and rifles and to gun clubs 
everywhere. Under the management of J . Mowell Haw- 
kins, aided by a staff of expert shooters, this depart- 
ment is prepared to give advice on all matters pertain- 
ing to guns and ammunition, trapshooting and .rifle 
range equipment, improving your shooting, and on or- 
ganizing and conducting gun and rifle clubs. If you 
are planning the formation of a club, let it help you. If 
your club is in need of any assistance to make its shoots 
more interesting, to extend its growth or to progress in 
any way, that is the service Mr. Hawkins and his staff 
are prepared to render you. Write to the Shooting 
Promotion Division, Winchester Repeating Arms Com- 
pany, New Haven, Conn. 

Another Winchester aid to the sport of Trapshooting 
is "The Trapshooter's Bulletin" published occasionally 
under the auspices of this division. This Bulletin gives 
practical and timely information of value alike to indi- 
vidual shooters and clubs, important news of the sport 
and various items of general interest to gun clubs and 
users of the shotgun. Have your gun club secretary 
write to be placed on our free mailing list, so you may 
see it at the club. 

These experts form the Winchester staff, whose 
services are at your disposal. 

71 




J . M owe 11 Hawkins 



J. Mowell Hawkins 

T.MOWELLHAW- 
J KINS, Manager of 
the Shooting Promo- 
tion Division of the 
Winchester Repeat- 
ing Arms Company, 
is one of the pioneers 
of the sport of trap- 
shooting. For more 
than a score of years 
he has every year 
been one of the 
leaders in the aver- 
ages. He has always 
been one of the most 
popular trapshooters 
in the country, and 
has been the tutor of 
many of the men 
who are today con- 
ducting tournaments. 
His chief ambition 
and hobby is to aid in 
making trapshooting 
ever more popular 
and successful as a 
leading American 
sport. 

Hawkins entered 
the shooting game at 
the age of 17 by win- 
ning the Champion- 
ship of Maryland 
with a score of 48 x 50. 



He held this title for eight consecutive years. He joined the ranks 
of the Winchester shooters in 1902. In 1908 he topped all shooters 
in the year's averages with the mark of .9663 . He held the profes- 
sional trapshooting championship of Pennsylvania for several 
years. He was high professional at 16 yards in the Grand 
American of 1911 with 100 straight; also broke 100 straight in 
the Eastern the same year. He has made many long runs, 
including 388, 376, 333, and 311 straight. 

It was Hawkins who took out the famous team of Winchester 
shooters which toured 43 cities in 43 days in 1906. He also 
took on tour the equally famous Winchester team of 1919, 
which gave exhibitions in eight states, created a new world's 
record on double targets, and gave a fine impetus to the sport. 
In 1922 he won "the^'Conn. single and double target, handicap 
and all around championships. 

72 




Charles G. Spencer 



He is a shooter who never picks his shoots nor his weather con- 
ditions. He has shot at nearly 200,000 targets in twenty years 
and averaged over 95 per cent. 



Charles G. Spencer 

pHARLES G. SPENCER, of St. Louis, Mo., another member 
of the famous Winchester team of 1919, made the highest 
trapshooting average in the world for the entire twelve years from 
1909 through 1920. During that time he shot at 64,745 targets 
on which he compiled an average of .9660, and never once during 
those twelve years did his average for a single year fall below 96 
per cent. 

Spencer also is a strong continuous target shooter. Back in 
September 1909, he established a world's record of 565 straight, a 
record which stood for ten years. He was stopped by running out 
of shells. He also established a world's record when he broke 
every target he shot at in two 200 target registered programs in 
two consecutive days. Still another of his records is that of 97x 
100 from the 22 yard mark, which he made at the Eastern Handi- 
cap at Wilmington, Del., in 1911. 

He is a shooter who is not backward about the number of tar- 
gets he goes after every year. In 1909 he averaged .9720 on 8,325 

73 




John R. Taylor 

targets, in 1915 he took first place in the averages with .9750 on 
5,620, in 1919 he attained .9677 on 7,000 and in 1920 .9659 on 
11,330. 

Spencer captured the first Interstate Southern Handicap by 
making the remarkable score of 98x100 from the 20 yard mark. 
In 1917 and 1920 he showed his supremacy as a double target 
shot by taking the Hazard trophy, emblematic of the Worlds 
Double Target championship. In his 1920 victory he made the 
professional world's record of 97x100. He is the present all 
round Professional Champion of Missouri. In 1920 he won the 
Professional Singles Championship of the United States. 

Spencer joined the Winchester ranks in 1903. He began his 
shooting career in 1 889 by winning a gold medal and a silver cup 
at a shoot at Jerseyville, Illinois. He had tied his father in one 
event and on the shoot -off defeated him. 

John R. Taylor 

JOHN R. TAYLOR made probably as spectactular an entry into 
the trapshooting world as there is any record of. In 1902, 
when Taylor's name was unknown, after considerable practice on 
the farm back home he plucked up determination enough to pre- 
sent himself at the first tournament he had ever attended, held in 
Kenton, Ohio. No one knew him, there were a number of high 
grade shooters present, and he was placed in a late squad. With 
a 94x100 to beat, Taylor went in and turned in a 98. He was high 
man for the two days' shoot, his first tournament. 



74 




Fred G. Bills 



Taylor joined the Winchester shooting staff in 1905, and in the 
following year he won the International Championship of the 
United States and Canada with a perfect score. In 1911 he was 
high average professional of the United States. 

One of Taylor's pet tricks is the winning of the high professional 
average of Ohio. He is the present professional trapshooting 
champion of Ohio. 

Many times Taylor has captured high average at the larger 
tournaments, including those of the Westy Hogans, Pinehurst, 
Indiana State, Western and Southern Handicaps. 

Taylor was a member of the famous Winchester trapshooting 
teams of 1919 and 1920. 



Fred G. Bills 



pTRED G. BILLS, of Chicago, as a member of the Winchester 
shooting staff, soon became one of the most popular and best 
known professional shots in the United States. 

During the war Bills became an instructor in marksmanship to 
the boys in the American Air Service, turning his great ability with 
the gun to its highest patriotic work. 

On his return to trapshooting as a civilian, in 1919, he started out 
at once by capturing the Professional Championship of Illinois. 

75 




Fred Tomlin 

In 1910, Bills won the double target average of the world. In 
191 1, he won the high general average at the Post Season tourna- 
ment, held at Indianapolis, Indiana. He was two targets behind 
the national winner of the season's average. In 1912, he again 
won high average at the Post Season tournament, held at St. 
Louis, Mo. He won high general average and the handsome ster- 
ling silver cup at the Eastern Handicap at Wilmington, 1913. He 
won the Professional Championship of Illinois at Springfield in 
1.914. He also took the high general average at the Pre-Olympic 
Tournament in 1914. 

Fred Tomlin 

ONE of the best known of the younger trapshots of New Jersey 
is Fred Tomlin of Glassboro, now a member of the Winchester 
shooting staff. As a boy, Tomlin took up rifle shooting, but he did 
not break into the shotgun game unil he had reached 18. It was 
not until 1914 that he took up the shotgun in real earnest and 
turned in his first work on the 2,000 registered targets required to 
rank him among the official average men. Since then he has been 
a regular at the traps. In 1918 he averaged .9566 on 4,475 
targets, in 1919 .9550 on 4,650, in 1920 .9588 on 7,720 targets and 
in 1921.9669 on 6,815 targets. 

Tomlin captured the state amateur championship for New Jer- 
sey in 1915 and again in 1918. It was in the latter year that he 

76 




Mrs. "Ad" Topperwein 

tied Bill Heer for the National Championship at the Grand Amer- 
ican, with a mark of 98. He is the 1922 All Around Professional 
Champion of New Jersey. 

In his whole trapshooting record there is nothing to which Fred 
points with greater pride than his exhibition at the United War 
Work Benefit shoot at Travers Island in November of 1918. After 
scoring a mark of 98 in the elimination contests, he went out and 
hung up a 99, which returned him the winner of the big event of 
the shoot, against such nation-wide stars at the traps as Mark 
Arie, Frank Troeh, Bill Heer, Chas. Powers, and others. 

At the 1919 meet at Lakewood, in addition to his long run 
record Tomlin shot through the entire meet, including 100 targets 
on the practice day events, with a record of losing only five out of 
500 targets. This was in the shooting from the 16 yard mark. In 
1920 he did still better, dropping only 4 out of 500. 

In 1921 Tomlin outclassed the professional field of trapshooters 
winning the 18 yards National championship. Tomlin broke 194 
straight in this event, losing his 195th target after an unfortunate 
incident with the trap puller. 



Mrs. "Ad" Topperwein 
TNt 



f the shooting world the name of Mrs. "Ad" Topperwein is one 
to conjure with. Like her noted husband, she is proficient 
with rifle, shotgun and revolver. Her fancy shooting and her 
regular work with gun and rifle have been the wonder of hundreds 

77 




Adolph Topperwein 



of thousands of people, who have seen her shoot at hundreds of 
exhibitions all over America. 

Yet Mrs. Topperwein says she did not know the difference 
between a shotgun and a rifle before her marriage. She became 
interested in the sport watching her husband's fascinating shoot- 
ing, and under his coaching developed into a star of the first 
magnitude. 

Her first shooting in public was done at St. Louis during the 
World's Fair, when her husband was giving his Winchester exhi- 
bitions. She scored 967x1 ,000 hits on 2% inch targets thrown into 
the air. She did her snooting with a Winchester .22 caliber 
automatic rifle. She also made a run of more than 200 at clay 
targets. In 1908 she scored 1 ,995x2,000 on 2}/i inch targets, mak- 
ing a straight run of 1,437. 

At trapshooting Mrs! Topperwein holds all the straight run 
records for women at 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 yards, 
which might be considered some record in itself. Her score of 
1,952 out of 2,000 shots in five hours and twenty minutes is a 
world's record for anyone, man or woman. The actual shooting 
time was about three hours. 

Mrs. Topperwein was a member of the Winchester teams of 
1906, 1919 and 1920 and helped to raise the squad trapshooting 
record to the mark of 490x500, made at Albany, Georgia, and the 
squad record of the world for doubles 97x100, at Rockford, Illi- 
nois. She has made nearly 100 century runs, scoring 123, in a 

78 




Boyd F. Duncan 

shoot in which she broke 485x500 regulation targets in two hours 
and twenty minutes elapsed time. 
Her high run record is 280. 



Adolph Topperwein 

TN the shooting profession "Ad" Topperwein is known as the 

"Wizard of the Rifle." On no less than thirteen occasions he 
has broken world's records for shooting flying targets with a rifle. 

On one occasion he broke 85 out of 100 23^ inch targets thrown 
from an automobile going 30 miles an hour. He first tossed the 
targets and then shot at them. Another record is 4,954 breaks 
out of 5,000 \ % A inch targets, and an even more wonderful one is 
the record of 9,999 out of 10,000 2\i inch flying targets. 

Possibly his most remarkable shooting with a rifle was at San 
Antonio, in July, 1907, when he shot eight hours a day for ten 
days and only missed nine in 72,500 2}/i inch wooden blocks that 
were tossed 25 feet in the air by an assistant. Out of the first 
50,000 blocks shot at he missed only four. Not only did Topper- 
wein shoot at the blocks, but he loaded his Winchester 72,500 
times. 

In this remarkable test of shooting skill and endurance, Topper- 
wein had straight runs of 14,540, 13,597, 13,292, and 10,383. It 
isn't likely this record will ever be beaten. It is a tremendous 

79 



strain to undergo such a performance. From the standpoint of 
endurance and the number of targets shot at and broken this 
feat stands as the world's greatest shooting performance. He has 
also broken 3,507 clay targets in succession with a .22 caliber rifle. 
Topperwein's first world's record was made October 7th, 1894, 
when with his Model 90 Winchester he broke 955x1,000 2^ inch 
clay discs thrown in the air. 



Boyd F. Duncan 

QNE of the best trapshooters below the Mason and Dixon line is 
Boyd F. Duncan, of Lucy, Term. 

Duncan won the amateur trapshooting championship of Ten- 
nessee in 1918 when he was just turning his twentieth birthday. 
The next year he joined the famous Winchester shooting team 
and the Winchester Shooting Staff. He won the professional 
championship of Tennessee in 1919, 1920, 1921 and was ill when 
the 1922 shoot took place. In 1919 and since, Duncan has been 
the leading professional shot in Tennessee and in practically every 
shoot he participates in he is "High over all." Duncan, it may be 
said, is a southpaw shot, one of the few good ones in the United 
States. He was one of the four left-handed shooters who won 
state championships in 1918. 

Duncan broke the first 50 birds straight in the first registered 
shoot he had ever attended. This was in 1916 . He had two runs 
over 200 in the early part of 1922. 



Capt. W. H. Richard 

"PHIS marksman began military rifle shooting at 16 as a member 
of the Ohio National Guard, and soon attained a reputation 
as a crack shot. 

Captain Richard served in the Spanish-American war as a rifle 
instructor in markmanship. After the war he served three years 
as captain of his company, and for twelve consecutive years he 
shot as a member of the Ohio State Rifle team. He has been a 
member of the Winchester shooting staff since 1906, except for 
16 months of service in the world war as rifle instructor in the 
army. 

Captain Richard twice won the long range championship of 
Ohio. He is the only shooter who has won the Leech Cup at the 
National Matches three times, his third success being scored at 
the Caldwell meet in 1919. In 1903 he won the Wimbledon Cup, 
in 1904 the Rapid Fire National Individual, 1906 second place in 
the President's Match, 1911 the Cantrow Cup, 1922 with Captain 
Eddy the two-man championship, the Swiss Match, 1913 the 
Meany Match; Spencer, 1,200 yard open match (record score) 

80 




Capt. W. H. Richard 

and grand aggregate; 1914, Marine Corps and Nevada Trophies 
with record scores at 600, 900 and 1,200 yards, grand aggregate, 
Libby 1,100 yard match, and first place in tryout for Palma team; 
1915, Libby Match with record score for service rifle; 1919, 
Grand aggregate Small-Bore, Nevada Trophy, and record in 
Small-Bore match. 

Has served on Ohio and Connecticut state rifle teams, Ohio 
team to France, All American in 1913, and 1919 U. S. Small-Bore 
team. 

Besides being a high class rifle shot Richard is a sterling per- 
former at the traps and in 1921 he won the professional champion- 
ship of Connecticut. 

Virgil Richard 

yiRGIL RICHARD, son of Capt. W. H. Richard of New 

Haven, Conn., created a sensation during the Summer of 

1920 by making a perfect score in the Small-Bore Rifle Matches 

at Tenafly, N. J., this being the first perfect score of 100 ever 

81 




Virgil Richard 



recorded in open shoulder to shoulder competition in the U. S. 
with the small bore or .22 caliber rifle at 100 yards. 

His victory was doubly impressive as he used the new Winches- 
ter Bolt Action Rifle and Winchester Precision cartridges, the 
same as he used in his wonderful shooting during the 1921 Na- 
tional matches at Camp Perry, Ohio, when he tied in the Wimble- 
don match and only lost out because he was out ranked by his 
competitor. He won the Swiss Match, then the Long Range Re- 
entry and the Egg Pool Match. He tied with a perfect score in 
the 50 yard sweepstakes and did the same in the hundred yard 
sweepstakes. Then to top it all he made high score, 393x400 
in the International Team Match (America vs. Great Britain), 
outshooting the best shots in the United States and England. 

Virgil was a member of the famous Winchester Shooting Team 
of 1920 shooting exhibition scores throughout New England. He 
is an excellent shot with the .30 caliber rifle, and a very good trap 
shot. Together with his famous father he is one of the valued 
members of the noted Quinnipiac Rifle and Revolver Club of New 
Haven, Conn. 



82 



HANDICAPPING 

By J. Mowell Hawkins 

VVfEBSTER defines handicaping as follows: "To impose disad- 
vantages or impediments upon in order to offset advantages. 
A condition imposed to equalize the chance of competitors. 
to encumber with difficulties, hinder or retard." 

Sportsmen as a rule hesitate to handicap or take advantage of a 
contestant who has developed more skill, yet, while this is a very 
laudable feeling, to be proclaimed scratch man is really an honor 
to the expert as it is denotative of his superiority and a direct 
compliment to his ability. 

In trapshooting there are two basic principles of handicapping 
the contestants. One concerns the distance from the target, which 
is governed mainly by regulation of the rise or the actual distance 
from the trap throwing the target, though it may be controlled 
by increasing or decreasing the speed or distance the target is 
thrown. The other is a score allowance of added targets or points 
to the actual score made by a contestant or additional targets to 
be shot at. 

The standard rise being 16 yards, the shooters are assigned, 
generally in accord with the views of the committee, to positions 
at the different yard marks back to 22 or 23 yards which is the 
usual scratch limit. These "views" usually cause a great deal 
of comment and there is no doubt but that many contestants 
suffer injustice because a uniform or standard method of alloting 
handicaps has never been adopted. The members of the usual 
handicap committee invariably assume that two contestants 
shooting 90 per cent at 16 yards should be placed upon the same 
• handicap mark. This is not the proper idea at all for two men may 
shoot 96 per cent yet. if they are placed at 22 yards, one may aver- 
age 90 per cent and the other 80 per cent. 

It surely seems that a shooter's known handicap average should 
have as much bearing upon his handicap assignment as his 16 
yard average, but there are a number of good shots who have 
attended handicaps for years and years and they are placed at 
20 and 21 yards and have never been known to break 90 per cent. 
Therefore, when one of these contestants is placed at this long 
distance, in recognition of his 16 yard shooting, he is beaten before 
he starts. This is manifestly unfair for he should have an oppor- 
tunity to break at least 95 per cent occasionally for less than 95 
per cent would never win a handicap in a large field where normal 
conditions prevail. 

A proper method for handicapping, and one that the writer 
believes should be adopted by the A. T. A. is as follows : 

The committee should agree upon the scratch limit, say 24 yards 
or even 25 yards. Then the field should be looked over and the 

83 



best handicap shot should be placed at the scratch mark. After 
a careful consideration of the background and general shooting 
conditions the committee should estimate as nearly as possible 
just how many targets this scratch man should break in the event. 
Let's say they decide that, upon all available data, he could break 
94 per cent, or 94 in a 100 target event, unless he exceeded all his 
previous records. The remaining contestants should then be 
placed where they could break 94 if they exceeded their previous 
records under the conditions. If the conditions are not hard 
enough make them right. 

I know men who for 25 years have never broken 90 out of 100 
when placed one yard back of 16, yet because they can break 
around 88 per cent ordinarily at 16 yards, are placed 18 and 19 
yards regularly in all the big handicaps. It's a joke. These men 
should be given a chance in the handicaps. Why should they be 
placed at 18 or 19 yards when it is almost a certainty that they 
will not break 90, while many others are placed at 2 1 and 22 yards 
who will break over 90 on an average. 

It is the wrong idea and the sooner it is discontinued the better 
it will be for the game. Place them all where they have an equal 
chance upon statistics and expert estimation of their general 
shooting to break the winning score. 

The same holds good for the added target handicap. Take the 
contestants' averages, then estimate just how many the best shot 
will break, then add the number of targets found to be the differ- 
ence in the averages to the score the best shot should break. For 
instance one shooter's average is 95 per cent, another's 80, and the 
best shot should break 97. Give the 95 per cent man two targets 
and the 80 per cent man seventeen. It will be said, "Too many 
will make a perfect score under this plan." Well if one has a 
chance for a perfect score why not all? 

The idea usually appears to be to distribute the shooters pro- 
miscuously at the different marks. Upon one of the committee's 
ideas, Jones is placed at 19 because he broke 94 one day in a 16 
yard event and at the next handicap one of the committee says, 
Jones shot from 19 yards last time. From then on Jones and 19 
yards are synonymous regardless of the fact that his score never 
gets above 85. 

A shooter's nerve, strength, time, handicap record, action under 
strain, and general ability, should be considered well in addition 
to his 16 yard average. 



84 



The Suggested Loads 
For Most All Purposes 

Leader, Repeater, Nublack and New Rival 12 ga. shells 



Drams Ounces Size 

Powder Shot Shot 

Trap Loads 3 1 y or 1 y 7V 2 

Shore Birds, Reed 2% 1 8 or 10 

Rail Sora, Rice \ 3 I or \y 8 or 10 

Snipe, Woodcock J 

Quail, Jack Snipe 1 3 I or \y 8 7^ or 8 

Doves / 

Pheasants 3 \y 6 or 7 l y 2 

Grouse, Partridge, } 

Prairie Chicken \ 3 or 3 y \ x /% 6 or 7 

Hawks, Crows J 

Small and Medium 3 1 y 6 or 7y 

Ducks ' 3y iy or \y 6 or 7y 

Mallards, Canvas \ 3y or 3y 2 iy or iy 4, 5 or 6 

Redheads J 

Pigeons iy or 3% iy 7 or 7y 

Squirrel, Rabbits 3 or 3y \y 6, 7 or 7 l / 2 

Wild Turkey 3M or 3y 2 \y 2 or 4 

Geese 3yo~r~3~y\y BB, 2 or 4 

Where Dense Powder is desired specify 24 grains for 3 drams, 22 
grs. for iy drams, 26 grs. for 3y drams, 28 grs. for 3y 2 drams. 
For 14-16-20-24-28-36 ga. or 410, use the same size shot but less 
powder and amount of shot. 

Single Ball in all gauges for Deer, Bear, etc. 

Winchester Leader and Repeater brush loads make choke 
guns shoot just like cylinder for field shooting. 

86 



To All Trapshooters 

WINCHESTER shotguns have been used by a 
generation of shooters under every conceivable 
condition of service. They have always been 
found accurate, and absolutely dependable. 

Winchester Shot Shells hold most of the world's 
records for trapshooting. They are the choice of cham- 
pions and of seasoned sportsmen everywhere. 

In boring Winchester gun barrels the most accurate 
precision instruments and exhaustive practical tests are 
used. From chamber to muzzle every barrel is bored 
to a standard specification with less than a thousandth 
of an inch of variation. 

Stamped on every barrel the mark m3\ shows that 
the gun has passed the Winchester \±/ Provisional 
and Definitive Proof Tests, having been fired many 
times in tests of action and dependability, and strength- 
tested by firing with 25 to 40 per cent, excess loads. 
These tests are more severe than the British Govern- 
ment Proof Test. 

In addition, every Winchester Shotgun of Tourna- 
ment or Trap grade is specially tested for pattern. Thus 
the trapshooter who wants a gun that is particularly 
well adapted for the sport is assured of obtaining in a 
Winchester of either of these grades a gun that, if used 
with Winchester Shells containing trap loads, will meet 
every requirement of a special trap gun. 

Because of these methods of gun making, developed 
for fifty years with the advance of science, the name 
Winchester to-day stands for accuracy, dependability 
and durability, wherever firearms are used. 

87 



Winchester Model 97 Repeating Shotgun 

(^ARRIED to every corner of the globe, subjected for 
more than twenty-five years to every sort of endurance 
test of rough and continuous usage, the Winchester Model 
97 Repeating Shotgun is still the choice of seasoned sports- 
men. It is today in more general use than any other 
repeater. 

The Model 97 is made in 12 gauge only, and in take- 
down form. The same strong take-down system is em- 
ployed as in the Model 12, shells are loaded and ejected 
in the same manner, and the magazine also holds 5 shells. 
The Model 97 plain finished 12-gauge repeater is made 
with 30 inch rolled steel barrel, half pistol grip stock 
and action slide handle of plain walnut. Full, modified 
choke or cylinder bored, 26, 28 or 32 inches in length. 
Hard rubber butt plate is standard, but steel butt 
plate will be furnished without extra charge. Drop 
of stock at comb 1% inches; drop at heel 2% inches; 
length 13J^8 inches. 

The 97 "Tournament" gun is made according to 
specifications which meet the requirements of the 
most exacting trapshooters. Many of the leading 
trapshots of the world have made their most im- 
portant winning scores with this famous gun. Its 
balance, length, drop and shape of stock have all been 
worked out as a result of long experience in suiting 
trapshooters. 

The barrel is made of the celebrated Winchester 
rolled steel. It is 30 inches long, handsomely matted 
on the top and bored to shoot a close, even pattern 
with any trap load. The stock is made of handsome 
selected walnut, oil finished, with well shaped straight 
grip, checked. Checked selected walnut action slide 
handle, rubber butt plate. Drop at comb, 1 % inches ; 
drop at heel \% inches; length of pull 14 inches. 
Variations in length of stock are allowed for a nominal 
charge. 

The Model 97 "Trap" gun has a 30 inch 
rolled steel barrel full choke, matted; selected 
fancy walnut, hand made, oil finished stock, 
with straight or pistol grip, checked; action 
slide handle of fancy walnut, checked, and 
checked rubber butt plate. The comb is heavy 
and rounding. Drop at comb is 1 %" inches ; 
drop at heel is 2%t inches; length 13% inches. 
Modified choke or cylinder bore can be furn- 
ished. Any length or drop of stock may be 
had without extra charge. 



Winchester Model 12 Hammer less Repeating 
Shotgun 

"REAUTIFUL in its lines, perfect in balance, the finished 
product of the best in modern guncraft, the Winchester 
Model 12 is today recognized by sportsmen everywhere as 
the standard hammerless repeating shotgun. 

Whether in the field or at the traps, on the dusty plains, 
in the woods, on inland lake or damp salt marsh, hunters 
and trapshooters have learned to place implicit confidence 
in this sure-five, sure-to-work, hard-hitting repeater. 

The Winchester Model 12 is a take-down gun of nickel 
steel construction throughout. The two parts are 
locked firmly together by the simple "interrupted 
screw" system and can be separated or secured in an 
instant. Made in 12, 16, and 20 gauges and in a 
variety of styles and dimensions, this gun is adapted 
to every form of shotgun shooting. All three gauges 
make the famous Winchester perfect shot patterns 
and when choke bored are close, hard shooters. In 
Tournament and Trap grades, every barrel is targeted 
at the factory and its boring finished with the greatest 
care to insure perfect patterning of the shot. 

All styles of the Model 12 carry five shots in the 
magazine and one in the chamber. The gun is cocked, 
the empty shell ejected, and the chamber reloaded by 
the action of the slide handle. 

The Model 12 in the standard 12-gauge, is made 
with a 30 inch full choke barrel, 3^ pistol grip stock 
with medium comb, and action slide handle of plain 
walnut. The drop at comb is 11M6 inches; drop at 
heel IY2 inches; barrels 26, 28 or 32 inches long can be 
furnished, in full choke, modified choke or cylinder 
bore. 

The standard 16-gauge and 20-gauge guns are 
furnished with 26 inch or 28 inch barrels, either full 
choke, modified choke or cylinder bore, and weigh 
about 6 lbs. 

The "Tournament" gun is made in 12 gauge 
only. It has a 30 inch, full choke barrel, with 
raised matted rib, especially adapted for trap- 
shooting. The stock is of handsome selected 
walnut, oil finished, action slide handle of 
selected walnut, checked. Heavy, rounding 
comb. Drop at comb, \Yi inches; drop at 
heel \% inches. Length of pull 14 inches; 
weight about 7^ lbs. May be had in any of 
several variations of lengths of stock and with 
cylinder bore or modified choke barrel. 



89 



The Model 12 "Trap" grade is made in 12, 16 and 20 
gauge. The 12 gauge gun has a 30 inch barrel with raised 
matted rib, hand made stock of selected fancy walnut, oil 
finished, checked, with straight or pistol grip; action slide 
handle of fancy walnut, oil finished, checked. Drop at 
comb 13^ inches; drop at heel 1% inches; length of pull 
14 inches. 

16 and 20 "Trap" guns have 26 or 28 inch raised matted 
rib barrels, and weigh about 6^ and 6}4 pounds re- 
spectively. 

"Trap" grade guns may be obtained in a great variety 
of specifications. The stocks are hand made and the 
options allowed are sufficient to satisfy the individual 
requirements of the most exacting shooter. 

Winchester Ventilated Rib and Extension Action 
Slide Handle 

"J"RAPSHOOTERS are vitally interested in any 
method of "getting onto" their targets more quick- 
ly. The Winchester Ventilated Rib is especially de- 
signed to give greater speed and accuracy in aiming. 
Its elevation above the gun barrel is scientifically cor- 
rect. 

It bridges the mirage or heat waves and thus gives a 
guide in aiming that has the highest possible visibility. 
The Winchester Ventilated Rib is matted on the 
upper surface and secured to the barrel by piers that 
engage with the seats on the barrel. It is mechanically 
locked to the barrel, not brazed or soldered on. It has 
the minimum number of points of contact with the 
barrel consistent with strength. 

Because of these features in the construction of this 

rib the expansion and contraction of the barrel due to 

the heat of frequent firing cannot cause it to take a 

permanent set. Nor can the heated rib itself 

set up any strain in the barrel. 

The Winchester Ventilated Rib is a scientifi- 
cally perfect adjunct to the Model 12 "Pigeon" 
"Trap", and "Tournament" grade shotguns. 
With the Winchester Model 12 Shotgun, 
Winchester Shells and the Winchester Ventila- 
ted Rib a shooter may be assured of getting 
the utmost precision out of his shooting. 

The Extension Action Slide Handle (not 
illustrated) is made especially for trapshooting 
and is particularly liked by shooters who must 
hold the extended hand rather close to the frame. Its ample size, 
nice proportions and good appearance commend it instantly, 

90 



wherever it is shown. Matches the stock in color and checking, 
does not disturb balance, is interchangeable with standard slide 
handle and can be furnished separately. 




Winchester Junior Trapshooting Outfit 

A GAME that everybody can play — an absorbing 
pastime for every member of the family — a whole 
new field of sport, is contained in the trim, compact 
assembly of the Winchester Junior Trapshooting Out- 
fit. 

This outfit equips you completely for a modified form 
of trapshooting which can be enjoyed anywhere that 
shotgun shooting can be done. No preparation what- 
ever is required — there is no laying out of the grounds. 
You simply open up the carrying case, take out the gun, 
shells, hand trap and targets, and fire away ! 

91 



The Winchester .410 bore Family Shotgun is de- 
signed especially for use with the Winchester Junior 
Trapshooting Outfit. It has the finish and accuracy 
for which all Winchester guns are famous. Its dimen- 
sions are much smaller than those of the standard shot- 
guns. Its .410 bore is about half that of the 20 gauge, 
so this light yet remarkably efficient gun has a light re- 
port and practically no recoil. 

Packed complete in a strong, neat carrying case is the 
.410 gun, 150 shells, 100 clay targets, a fine strong hand 
trap, a cleaning rod and cleaning preparations. Extra 
targets and ammunition can be procured at small cost, 
and with proper care the outfit will last indefinitely. 

JL 




The Complete Winchester Junior Traphooting Outfits 

What You Can Do With Outfit 

KJO matter where you live — city, small town, farm — 
if you like good, wholesome sport in the open you 
can have it with the Winchester Junior Trapshooting 
Outfit. 

At picnics and on boating and yachting parties it will 

92 



provide splendid enjoyment. It can be easily slipped 
in the back of the car or stowed away in a boat. 

All sorts of informal contests can be arranged. Regu- 
lation shoots can be held and a prize offered to the final 
winner. These contests will hold the greatest interest 
for both participants and spectators. 

Many a famous trap shot keeps in form by practicing 
at targets thrown with a hand trap. This sort of shoot- 
ing is not only a pleasure in itself, but also gives the best 
sort of practice for hunting. 

Winchester Loaded Shells 

TN testing a shell three points are considered: density, 
uniformity of pattern, and penetration. If the 
pattern thrown by the shell is deficient in any of these 
essentials it is not a good pattern and will not give good 
results at the traps. 




93 



A pattern of uneven spread is known as "patchy." 
Inferior guns and shells often throw such a pattern. 
It is the most aggravating of all troubles that can beset 
a trapshooter, for it nullifies his skill. 

Winchester shot patterns are famous for their even 
spread and hard-hitting delivery — insured by the use 
together of Winchester Shotguns and Winchester Load- 
ed Shells. No target can get through a properly aimed 
Winchester pattern. 

Winchester Shotguns and Loaded Shells are made 
expressly for each other. The gun barrels are bored to 
bring out the highest pattern possibilities of the shells. 

Winchester shells are made in these smokeless 
powder loads: 

Leader — Loaded with smokeless powder. Extra 
long patented corrugated head with four corrugations. 
Used by world's champion trapshooters. The best 
loaded shell at any price. Red in color. 

Repeater — Smokeless powder, patent corrugated 
head, three corrugations. Loaded with the same care as 
the Leader, yet comparatively low priced. Yellow in 
color. 

Winchester Shells in black powder, for hunting are : 

New Rival — Carefully loaded with the best grade 
of black powder. Patented corrugated head, one corru- 
gation. Ample strength to withstand reloading. Blue 
in color. 

Nublack — Black powder, patented corrugated head, 
two corrugations. Clean, fast and uniform in shooting. 
Yellow in color. 



94 




Mrs. L. G. Vogel, Detroit, Mich., one of the leading 
women amateur trapshots in the United States 




A WINCHESTER PATTERN (about 312 pellets) 

^HE above was made with a Winchester Ventilated Rib Trap 
Gun, 30" Full choke barrel with the Standard Repeater Trap 
Shell, 12 ga. 3 drams powder, \\i~7Y2 ch., shot in a 30" circle 
at a distance of 40 yds., and is about a 73% pattern. A full 
choke pattern is 70 to 75% of the charge of 1 3^ oz., which con- 
tains 431 pellets of 7Y 2 ch. shot. 70% is Full choke or 300 to 
325 pellets — modified choke, 55% to 65%, or about 260 pellets, 
cylinder bore about 45%, or 195 pellets. 



Press of 

The Wilson H. Lee Co. 

New Haven, Conn. 



96 



Every club should have large copies of this form placed 
in prominent places inside and outside of club house where 
beginners and visitors can observe it readily. 

VISITORS WELCOME 
BUT— 
STOP! LOOK! LISTEN! 

THAT all who attend our shoots may feel perfectly safe and that visitors may 
feel free to participate in our sport we request your reading and observ- 
ance of this notice. 

ONE shell is allowed in your gun when shooting single targets, and two 
when shooting doubles. Three for triples. Never place more in 
your Winchester Magazine. 

PLACE shell or shells in your gun only when standing in your proper place 
upon the firing line, and not then until your gun is pointed in the direction 
of the trap house and you are sure no one will come out of the trap house. 

LET your gun remain open and be sure there is no shell in it when changing 
from No. 5 to No. 1 position or from No. 1 to No. 5. 

ONLY the most careless and thoughtless person will ever point a gun in the 
direction of anyone. Never handle a gun without first making sure 
there is no shell in either the barrel or magazine. Never pull the 
trigger in the house. 

flNE should never take a gun out of the case or go to the firing line without 
^ looking through the barrel in order to make sure there is no obstruction 
therein for this is the cause of most all barrel bursting. 

KEEP quiet when upon the firing line or near the score board or puller. 
Never do anything to disconcert the shooter, puller or scorer, and 
never stand in front of the referee or puller or between the shooter and 
score board. 

LET the referee's decision be final. Do not question a bird he has called, 
especially your own, for the recoil of the gun makes you least competent 
to judge your own target and the wads frequently look like pieces of the 
target to the one behind the gun. 

IF you are late getting to your place in tho firing line, when your squad is 
called, you not only annoy your squad members, but materially lessen 
your own chances of making a good score. Be prompt! 

SHOOT at a fair target, for if you call pull and refuse to shoot the referee 
has no alternative but to call it "lost" and have it scored a miss. 

TARGETS that leave the trap broken or targets that take an extreme 
variation of angle or height are not considered fair targets, and should be 
refused. The referee should call "no target" when a shooter fires at & 
broken target and the shooter must shoot another target. You must 
abide by the result, if you shoot at a whole target whether it is fair or unfair. 

EXPERIENCE is the best teacher but if you will read these precautions 
and learn the rules of trapshooting as published by the American Trap- 
shooting Association, 460 4th Ave., New York, your chances of becoming 
an expert will be greatly enhanced. 

NEVER fail to be courteous and lend assistance to a beginner. Never let 
him start out alone. Your protection as well as that of your friends de- 
mands that you see that the proper instruction is given to those wishing 
to learn. (The Shooting Promotion Division of the Winchester Repeating 
Arms Company, New Haven, Conn., will furnish any assistance desired.) 



IJBRARY OF CONGRESS 

020 237 107 3 



WMCffESTER 



TftAOC MARK 



